Vermont health officials report confirmed case of measles

Vermont health officials are reporting the first confirmed case of measles in the state this year.Top video: See previous coverageOfficials from the Vermont Department of Health confirmed that a case of measles was recently detected in an adult in Washington County. The individual became sick after an international trip.Health officials said the case does not pose a risk to the public.The measles virus was also detected in wastewater in Washington County via the health department’s wastewater monitoring program last week. So far, officials have not linked the measles case to the wastewater detection.The instance marks the first confirmed case of measles in Vermont in 2026. Two cases of measles were detected in 2025, and two more cases were detected in 2024. There is currently no treatment for measles, but it can almost be entirely prevented with the use of vaccines, the department said. Roughly 1 in 5 people who get measles without being vaccinated are hospitalized, the department said.Vermont Health Commissioner Rick Hildebrant said that while measles is incredibly contagious, most Vermonters have chosen to be vaccinated, so the risk of spreading the infection is low.Those who have not received a measles vaccine are being encouraged to do so to help prevent further spread.

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Vt. —

Vermont health officials are reporting the first confirmed case of measles in the state this year.

Top video: See previous coverage

Officials from the Vermont Department of Health confirmed that a case of measles was recently detected in an adult in Washington County. The individual became sick after an international trip.

Health officials said the case does not pose a risk to the public.

The measles virus was also detected in wastewater in Washington County via the health department’s wastewater monitoring program last week. So far, officials have not linked the measles case to the wastewater detection.

The instance marks the first confirmed case of measles in Vermont in 2026. Two cases of measles were detected in 2025, and two more cases were detected in 2024.

There is currently no treatment for measles, but it can almost be entirely prevented with the use of vaccines, the department said.

Roughly 1 in 5 people who get measles without being vaccinated are hospitalized, the department said.

Vermont Health Commissioner Rick Hildebrant said that while measles is incredibly contagious, most Vermonters have chosen to be vaccinated, so the risk of spreading the infection is low.

Those who have not received a measles vaccine are being encouraged to do so to help prevent further spread.