If you suspect a measles case, immediately notify the Health Department by calling 802-863-7240 (option 2). Someone is available 24/7 to take your call. Do not refer suspect measles cases to an emergency department unless medically indicated.

Preparing for Measles Webinar: Update for Vermont Health Care Providers 

(Sept. 2024)

A health care provider-focused webinar on measles epidemiology and recommendations for testing and prevention. Topics covered include epidemiology of measles in the U.S., clinical features, specimen collection and testing, infection prevention, post-exposure prophylaxis and vaccination.

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Announcement

Frequently Asked Question: Measles Vaccine for Adults

  • Adults born in 1957 or later are up to date on MMR vaccinations if they have either 1 or 2 doses (depending on risk factors), and do not need any additional doses.
    • These adults should receive 2 doses: students at post-high school education institutions, healthcare personnel, international travelers, close contacts of immunocompromised people, and people with HIV infection.
  • Adults vaccinated in the 1960s may need to be revaccinated. An inactivated measles virus vaccine was available in 1963-1967 and was not effective. People who were vaccinated prior to 1968 with either inactivated (killed) measles vaccine or measles vaccine of unknown type should be revaccinated with at least one dose of live attenuated measles vaccine. People who have documentation of receiving LIVE measles vaccine in the 1960s do not need to be revaccinated.
  • Adults without evidence of immunity and no contraindications to MMR vaccine can be vaccinated without checking immune titers. There is no harm in giving MMR vaccine to a person who may already be immune to one or more of the vaccine viruses.
     

Measles Virus and Disease Presentation

Suspect Cases: Actions Requested of Providers

Laboratory Testing

The Vermont Department of Health Laboratory offers free and fast PCR and IgG testing. You must contact the Health Department’s Infectious Disease Program (802-863-7240, option 2) prior to submitting specimens for testing. Contact the Infectious Disease Program for IgM testing options.

False positives results for measles IgM can occur. To minimize the chance of false positives, restrict testing to cases of clinically compatible illness.

Get a printable PDF with information about measles testing at the Health Department Laboratory

Infection Control Recommendations for Suspect Measles Cases

Immediately notify the Health Department of any suspect measles cases. Someone is available 24/7 to assist.
Do not refer suspect measles cases to an emergency department unless medically indicated.

Health Department Response

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