Rhode Island Department of Health confirms measles case, first reported in over a year

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The Rhode Island Department of Health has confirmed a case of measles in the state, marking the first reported case in more than a year.

Health officials say the case involves a man in his 40s from Providence County who recently traveled internationally and returned to Rhode Island on April 13. He later sought care at a treatment center where he tested positive for the virus.

The individual is currently recovering at home, according to officials. This is the first confirmed measles case in Rhode Island since January 2025.

The Department of Health is working to identify and notify anyone who may have been exposed, including individuals who came into contact with the patient at a healthcare facility or other locations during the infectious period.

Health officials said anyone who was at Panadería El Quetzal on Hartford Avenue in Providence on April 15 between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., including both customers and staff, may have been exposed to measles.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms typically appear 7 to 21 days after exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes, and a distinctive rash.

Health officials emphasize that vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent measles. Those who have received two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine are considered highly protected against the virus.

Anyone who believes they may have been exposed or is experiencing symptoms is urged to contact a healthcare provider before visiting a medical facility to avoid potentially spreading the illness.