Vermont Confirms Orleans County Measles Cases
The Vermont Department of Health confirmed a small number of connected measles cases in Orleans County on Nov. 9, according to a department news release.
State health officials said the overall risk to the general public remains low while an investigation and public health response continue. The State Public Health Lab confirmed the results the same day.
North Country Hospital in Newport announced it will screen visitors at its entrances after receiving notification from the health department about the suspected cases, mynbc5.com reported. Health Commissioner Rick Hildebrant stated that officials are actively providing testing, vaccination, and health guidance.
“We are currently offering testing, vaccination and health guidance and remain in communication with the people involved,” Hildebrant said in a prepared statement, adding that officials will continue working closely with local hospitals and health care providers to protect the wider community.
Medical Centers Follow State Guidance to Report Suspected Cases
North Country Hospital and Copley Hospital in Morrisville serve as the primary medical centers for Orleans County. Following the state’s health advisory, medical providers statewide were asked to report suspected cases immediately, even before laboratory confirmation, and to check patient MMR vaccination status, Medical Daily reported. Dr. I do know they don’t make this report lightly,
she said.
Patient names and exact case counts remain withheld to protect confidentiality. Department spokesperson Kyle Casteel told VTDigger that the risk presented to most Vermonters is low, though pediatricians urged vigilance as the virus spreads.
Local School Vaccination Rates Fall Below Community Immunity Thresholds
However, achieving community immunity requires 95% coverage. The first dose is given at 12 to 15 months of age, and the second dose is given at 4 through 6 years of age.
VTDigger noted that vaccination compliance dips below that threshold in certain local schools, such as Albany Community School at 86% and Orleans Elementary School at 88%. Two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles, according to CDC guidance.
WATERBURY, VT — The Vermont Department of Health has confirmed a small number of measles cases in Orleans County. The health risk to the general public in Vermont is low at this time. Investigation and response are ongoing.https://t.co/E3OT5PsSvc
National Outbreak Trends
Vermont recorded one measles case in February, following two cases in 2025 and two in 2024, according to state health records. These figures follow a decade that saw only two total cases across the state, specifically one in 2011 and one in 2018. Earlier this year, in February, someone fell ill in Washington County shortly after traveling internationally.
Nationwide, measles cases have surged.
Orleans County Measles Questions
How many measles cases are confirmed in Orleans County?
State health officials have confirmed only a “small number” of connected cases, declining to release an exact count to protect patient privacy, according to mynbc5.com.
What should patients do if they suspect exposure?
Patients are advised to call ahead before visiting a medical facility so staff can prepare an intake without exposing waiting rooms, as outlined by Medical Daily.
Where can residents receive the MMR vaccine?
Most insurance plans cover the vaccine, and uninsured or Medicaid-enrolled children can receive it at no cost through the Vaccines for Children program, as reported by Medical Daily.
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