By Amir Mohammad
Public Health
Dr. Amir Mohammad
As summer draws to a close and fall approaches, the past three to four months have been noteworthy for public health in Connecticut, with state and local health officials responding to a range of infectious diseases, environmental health concerns and other emerging community health issues.
From late May through August, Connecticut experienced a broad range of public health concerns rather than a single dominant outbreak. Measles, cyclosporiasis and West Nile virus represent the most notable infectious disease developments, while extreme heat and wildfire smoke remain ongoing environmental health issues.
Measles has returned to the public health spotlight. Two unvaccinated individuals in Pennsylvania have died from measles, marking the worst year for the virus in the US since its official elimination in 2000. Connecticut confirmed three measles cases in 2026, including two cases in June and a third in August. The cases involved adults with international travel histories.
Although the state maintains a high childhood measles, mumps and rubella vaccination rate, these cases demonstrate how quickly vaccine-preventable diseases can reappear when unvaccinated individuals are exposed.
“This case is a reminder that measles remains a real risk for unvaccinated travelers, particularly to parts of the world where measles is still circulating widely,” said Connecticut Department of Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani in an Aug. 24 release. “Two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97 percent effective at preventing infection. If you are planning international travel, especially with infants or unvaccinated family members, please check your MMR vaccination status and talk to your healthcare provider well before you leave.”
Foodborne illness has also received attention. There were more than 90 cases reported in Connecticut of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection that can cause explosive, prolonged diarrhea, according to DPH.
DPH also announced on Aug. 28 the first human case of West Nile virus-associated illness in a Middlesex County resident. Throughout the summer, DPH has issued ongoing email alerts regarding WNV detected in mosquitoes.
Finally, the message from this summer is clear: public health is local, but threats can emerge quickly. Staying informed, maintaining recommended vaccinations, practicing environmental and food safety, and responding promptly to public health advisories are among the most effective ways we all can protect ourselves and our communities.
Dr. Amir Mohammad is the director of public health for Orange.