The recent meeting held by the Connecticut Department of Public Health highlighted ongoing concerns about measles cases in the United States and the state's impressive vaccination rates. Dr. Manisha Juthani, the Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Public Health, emphasized that while the U.S. had previously eliminated sustained measles transmission, the current situation is precarious, with the potential to lose that status.

Dr. Juthani noted that many states have struggled to return to pre-pandemic vaccination levels for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) among kindergartners. However, Connecticut has made significant strides, achieving higher vaccination rates than before the pandemic. This success is attributed to the collective efforts of families, healthcare providers, and public health professionals working together to protect children and vulnerable populations.

Connecticut currently stands out as the number one vaccinated state in the country, with no reported measles cases in 2025 so far. Dr. Juthani expressed gratitude to the community for recognizing the importance of vaccinations, which have been a reliable public health intervention for decades. Despite this success, she cautioned that the state may still face measles cases in the future due to outbreaks in other parts of the country.

The meeting underscored the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to safeguard public health and prevent the resurgence of measles in Connecticut.