Rhode Island's 1st Measles Case In 2026 A Providence Man In His 40s: RIDOH

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island recorded its first case of measles in 2026.

The patient, a Providence man in his 40s, returned from international travel April 13, according to the Rhode Island Department of Health.

"He went to Atmed Treatment Center on April 15, and he was tested for measles," the health department said in a media release.

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"He is recovering at home," the release said. "The last confirmed case of measles in Rhode Island was in January 2025."

The health department also warned that customers and staff who were at Providence bakery Panadería El Quetzal between 4:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday may have been exposed to measles.

"RIDOH has worked with Panadería El Quetzal and Atmed Treatment Center to notify staff and other people who may have been exposed," the release said. "RIDOH is working to identify and contact those people."

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Division of Global Migration Health was notified due to travelers on the same flights as the infected man may have been exposed, according to the release.

"Anyone who was believed to have had contact with this patient during his infectious period are being contacted and provided with instructions on steps to help prevent any spread," the release said.

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Anyone who could have been exposed and begins to develop symptoms of measles should call their health care professional before visiting an office, clinic or emergency department, according to the release, as visiting a facility may put others at risk.

"Measles is almost entirely preventable through vaccination," Jerry Larkin, the Rhode Island director of health, said in the relase.

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"Any parent or guardian who has a child at home who is older than a year old and has not been vaccinated against measles should talk to their child's healthcare professional," Larkin said. "For any family with insurance issues or trouble accessing care, RIDOH can make vaccine available at no cost."

Measles is highly contagious. Symptoms typically appear a week to three weeks after exposure to the virus. Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, white spots inside the mouth on the inner lining of the cheek, and a rash made up of large, flat blotches.

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