Rhode Island reports its first case of measles since 2013

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) — For the first time in 12 years, Rhode Island reported a case of measles.

According to the Rhode Island Department of Health, the patient, an unvaccinated child, had previously traveled internationally. Health officials said the child was treated at Hasbro Children’s Hospital and has since recovered.

The risk to the public is considered low and contact tracing is ongoing.

Measles symptoms usually appear 7 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Symptoms usually include:

High fever

Cough

Runny nose

Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)

Tiny white spots inside the mouth on the inner lining of the cheek

A rash made up of large, flat spots.

Infected people can transmit measles to others four days before the rash appears to four days after the rash appears.

The Rhode Island Department of Health encourages people to get vaccinated against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). According to the Department of Health, 97% of kindergartners statewide have received the MMR vaccine.