Vermont has its first confirmed case of measles in six years, according to officials from the state department of health.The health department said the individual is in Vermont as part of an international group program. The group has been staying at the Hampton Inn in Colchester. The other 25 members of the group were also exposed before arriving in Vermont, but most have immunity and are protected from measles, officials said.This is the first documented case of measles in the state since 2018, according to the Vermont Department of Health.On April 10, the health department was informed by the Georgia Department of Public Health that the group was exposed to a traveler who was determined to have measles following their arrival on an international flight to Atlanta. Health officials reached out to the group after learning of the exposure event and provided guidance about isolation for the group to reduce the risk of spreading the virus to the public.The health department said the risk to members of the public in Vermont is low, but there was a limited possibility of exposure at the hotel where some of the travelers were staying.The Health Department is asking anyone who was inside the Hampton Inn in Colchester on Wednesday, April 17 before 3:45 p.m. to check that they have received a measles vaccination or contact the health department at 802-863-7200, option 2 if you cannot confirm your immunity.Everyone who was at The Hampton Inn during that time is being asked to monitor for any symptoms through May 8.The department has been working closely with the Hampton Inn management, which has been cooperative throughout the response, including to provide information to known guests and visitors.There is no ongoing risk of measles associated with the hotel.The health department listed the following information about measles:Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus that can cause serious illness. There is no treatment for measles, however, it is almost entirely vaccine-preventable.Symptoms of measles typically begin with a cough, runny nose, watery eyes, and a high fever that may spike to more than 104°. A rash of flat spots breaks out on the head and face, then spreads to other parts of the body. The virus can spread to other people when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The measles virus can stay in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. People can become infected if they breathe in the germs or touch a contaminated surface and then touch their eyes, nose, or mouth. The virus can be spread from four days before through four days after an infected person develops the rash. This means a person with measles may not know they are infectious for several days. Anyone with symptoms of measles should stay home, consider wearing a mask around others, and contact their healthcare provider immediately. DO NOT go to the doctor’s office, the hospital, or a public health clinic without first calling to let them know about your symptoms. There have been more than 100 cases of measles and seven outbreaks in the United States in 2o24 to date.