Health officials warn public of possible measles exposure at popular Boston locations
Health officials are warning travelers and Boston residents after a person visited popular attractions around the city.
The person traveled to Boston from June 7 to June 8, according to officials.
Who may have been exposed to measles?
The infectious person visited several places in Boston, including:
Westin Boston Seaport District Hotel (including restaurants in the hotel) 5:30 p.m. on June 7 to 1:30 p.m. on June 8
The Museum of Fine Arts Boston from 1-6:30 p.m. on June 8
Logan Airport Terminal C from 5-11:15 p.m. on June 8
The person then flew on JetBlue Flight 639 to Miami. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is working to identify and notify people who may have been exposed.
Boston Commissioner of Public Health Dr. Bisola Ojikutu said there is no indication the traveler used public transportation in Boston.
But some people are feeling uneasy about the situation.
"That is scary to me," Sondra Arrington said. "At the moment, my daughter is pregnant, and I know that a pregnant woman they're susceptible, and it can cause a lot more damage."
Measles symptoms
Measles, also known as rubeola, is a highly contagious and sometimes deadly illness. It can be spread easily when someone coughs or sneezes when they have it,
Symptoms include:
- Red, purple, or brown blotchy rash that often starts on the face
- High fever that typically increases when the rash begins
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Conjunctivitis
- Tiny white spots on the inside of the mouth
Symptoms may appear seven to 21 days after exposure. Measles can cause several serious long-term complications, including diarrhea, ear infections leading to hearing loss, brain infections, lung infections, and infections of the upper airway.
People who are not vaccinated against measles and who may have been exposed are urged to contact their doctors. For the latest information and guidance, visit .
The Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine is 93%-97% effective in protecting people against measles, and health officials state that individuals who have been vaccinated are at a low risk of contracting the disease.
"This case of measles highlights the importance of obtaining the MMR vaccine to protect ourselves and our community. The MMR vaccine is highly effective at preventing measles infection and also protects against mumps and rubella," said Ojikutu. She said about 94% of children in the Boston area have been vaccinated.
Preventing a measles outbreak
Dr. Ojikutu said the Boston Public Health Commission is notifying the public, leading contact tracing, and working with locations the traveler visited.
"As we collect more information, we will notify the public and individuals directly," she said.
"Everything we're doing is about preparedness," Dr. Ojikutu said, adding that Boston Public Health Commission has been focused on increasing vaccination rates in light of measles outbreaks in other areas of the U.S. "We're hopeful that we will not see many cases in this instance, and we're hopeful that we will not see a large outbreak."
