Measles case in Vermont reminds families that it's crucial to vaccinate children
Amid National Infant Immunization Week, the Department of Health says vaccination is the first line of defense against measles.
Amid National Infant Immunization Week, the Department of Health says vaccination is the first line of defense against measles.
Amid National Infant Immunization Week, the Department of Health says vaccination is the first line of defense against measles.
The Vermont Department of Health has confirmed the first case of measles in the state since 2018.
Experts with the Department of Health said that while cases of measles are far and few between in the state, this most recent case is a great reminder for families who might be considering whether or not to vaccinate their children.
"Infants and toddlers tend to get sick more so than preschool [children]. New students and new teachers honestly tend to get a lot more sick than those of us that have been here for a long time," said Nicole Walker, director of Apple Tree Learning Center.
For over 20 years, Walker has worked at Apple Tree Learning Center in Stowe; guiding new families through their options when it comes to vaccinations, which can often be an overwhelming subject.
"I feel like they do really put a lot of trust and faith in us. So they do ask the teachers a lot of those questions," Walker said.
The Health Department says Vermont's most recent case of measles was found in someone staying at the Hampton Inn in Colchester on April 17 as part of an international group trip.
Twenty-five people were exposed, including four who did not have immunity to measles, which the department said serves as a "good reminder" that the first line of defense is vaccination.
"Getting a measles vaccine is the number one way to prevent measles," said Kelly Dougherty, deputy commissioner at the Vermont Department of Health.
Three other individuals are being monitored by the department's epidemiologists.
For anyone who might have been exposed at the Hampton Inn it's recommended they be on the lookout for any possible symptoms.
"We are asking them to just keep an eye on any symptoms that develop between now and May 8th, which is the outer edge of the incubation period," Dougherty said.
The department said there is no greater risk to the public thanks to how effective their campaign has been to spread awareness about the importance of vaccination.
"It's really just the constant communication with parents and just understanding and helping them understand that it will get better," Walker said.
Cases of the measles are on the rise nationwide, which the department suspects is due to a greater number of people who are choosing not to be vaccinated.
For more information on vaccination you can visit the Vermont Department of Health website.