Boston Chron - Person with Measles Visited Boston

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~ Boston, MA- The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) have reported that a person with measles visited the city from June 7 through June 8. The BPHC and DPH are currently working with local partners to identify and notify individuals who may have been exposed to the virus. It is advised that unvaccinated individuals who have been exposed should contact their healthcare provider immediately and avoid public places such as schools, work, public transit, and stores. They should also monitor for symptoms for 21 days, until June 29, 2025.

According to data from the DPH, measles vaccination is highly effective in preventing the virus and protecting against severe disease. In Suffolk County, 94% of children have been fully vaccinated against measles. This means that vaccinated individuals are at a low risk of contracting the virus.

The person who visited Boston while infectious had been to several locations in the city. Anyone who spent time at these specific locations on the given dates and times may have been exposed to measles:

- Westin Boston Seaport District Hotel (including restaurants in the hotel) between 5:30pm on Saturday, June 7 and 1:30pm on Sunday, June 8

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- The Museum of Fine Arts Boston between 1:00pm and 6:30pm on Sunday, June 8

- Logan Airport Terminal C between 5:00pm and 11:15pm on Sunday, June 8

On June 8, the individual flew on JetBlue flight 639 to Miami at 9:12pm. The BPHC and DPH are working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to identify and notify passengers who may have been exposed. As more information becomes available, both organizations will continue to update the public and affected individuals.

Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Commissioner of Public Health for the City of Boston, emphasized the importance of getting vaccinated against measles. "This case highlights the importance of obtaining the MMR vaccine to protect ourselves and our community," she said. "The MMR vaccine is highly effective at preventing measles infection and also protects against mumps and rubella."

Dr. Ojikutu also stressed the importance of children receiving the vaccine at 12-15 months of age and again before starting kindergarten. Children who are at least 6 months old and traveling internationally should receive an early dose of the vaccine before their trip. She also noted that it is never too late for children or adults to get vaccinated, even if they are past the recommended age.

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Measles is a highly contagious virus that starts with flu-like symptoms such as cough, high fever, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. This is followed by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the face to the rest of the body. The virus can easily spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. It can also be transmitted through contact with surfaces or items that have been contaminated within 2 hours after an infected person was in the area. Measles infection can occur 7-21 days after direct or indirect contact with another person who has measles.

The BPHC routinely prepares for potential measles exposure in Boston by working closely with schools to ensure children are vaccinated and partnering with hospitals and healthcare providers. They also have experienced nurses who specialize in case monitoring and contact tracing for measles.

Both BPHC and DPH urge individuals who do not know their measles immunization status to get vaccinated with at least one dose of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. For more information and guidance on measles prevention, visit boston.gov/measles. Healthcare providers who suspect a case of measles should contact their local health department or the Massachusetts DPH at 617-983-6800 immediately for recommendations and testing guidance.

Filed Under: Government, City

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