Doctors urge caution, but not panic amid CT's first reported measles case since 2021

While contact tracing and containment efforts are underway in Trumbull, one local doctor is pleading with the public not to panic about a recent measles case.

"We don't want people freaking out," says Dr. Steven Valassis, of St. Vincent's Medical Center in Bridgeport. "We have a great vaccination rate in this area, which is going to be very protective. So for those people who are vaccinated, they're going to be very safe."

State health officials reported the news late Wednesday night.

They say the confirmed case involves an unvaccinated student under the age of 10 at Christian Heritage School in Trumbull who recently traveled abroad.

Measles can cause cough, fever, runny nose, conjunctivitis and a rash that can spread from the face down the body to the torso and out to the extremities.

Doctors say there have been 1,800 cases in the U.S. this year alone, including recent outbreaks in Utah and South Carolina, and a large outbreak in Texas earlier this year.

Valassis says the single best way to protect children and adults from measles is to be vaccinated.

"The problem with measles is it's a very contagious virus," Valassis says. "People need to really make sure they're following the vaccination recommendations, and that they're keeping their children safe."

In a letter sent to Christian Heritage parents, the Trumbull Health Department says, "unvaccinated or under vaccinated children and adults, including those who have a medical or other exemption to vaccination, must be excluded from school through 21 days after their most recent exposure."

Town officials say they are working with the school to make sure all proper precautions are being taken to ensure the health and well-being of students, faculty and residents.

Parents can schedule a free vaccine appointment for their child by calling the Trumbull Health Department at 203-452-1030.

Statement from the Town of Trumbull and the Trumbull Health Department:

"In light of the recent case of measles in Trumbull, the Town of Trumbull and the Trumbull Health Department wish to inform the community that Christian Heritage School abides by Connecticut State Department of Education and Connecticut Department of Public Health vaccination requirements and are in compliance under the law as determined by oversight from the Town of Trumbull.

Under State law some children may be exempt from the requirement to be vaccinated to attend school. As such, there will be children across schools in Connecticut who, while not vaccinated, are fully compliant with CT Public Act 21-6 through valid exemptions.

The Town of Trumbull and the Trumbull Health Department are grateful to the leadership and community of Christian Heritage School for their swift actions to support the community's health, in partnership with the town."