State officials warn public about potential measles exposures

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is warning Bostonians about locations of potential measles exposure, according to a statement. 

Officials said an international traveler was diagnosed with measles. This travelver made their way through Boston to Amsterdam on public transit on June 22, according to the statement. This traveler could have exposed others while also being in other public areas, officials said.

“Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease that has seen an increase in cases and outbreaks worldwide. People who are not vaccinated are at greater risk of infection. The best way for people to protect themselves from this disease is to make sure they are vaccinated,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD.

The exposures happened on June 22, at approximately 11:40 a.m., on the Dartmouth Coach bus line departing from Hanover, New Hampshire. The bus arrived at Logan Airport at approximately 2:40 p.m. The next exposure was from 2:40 p.m. to 8:40 p.m. at Terminal E and on Flight KLM6016 from Boston to Amsterdam, departing from Gate E5, according to the statement.

State officials are urging the public to check their vaccination status and, if unknown, get at least one dose of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. 

Health officials around the city are working to determine who the traveler could have exposed and getting into contact with them. Those exposed and who do not seem to have immunity may need to be quarantined for up to 21 days following the exposure, according to the statement.

Early measles symptoms, which can begin 10 to 14 days after exposure, can include cough, runny nose, and red eyes. This can be followed by a rash occurring on the skin two to four days after the initial symptoms develop. 

Those who are exposed and begin to develop symptoms should contact their healthcare provider before visiting any medical facilities.

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