Mass. Health officials: potential exposure to measles in multiple locations

BOSTON – Public health officials alert the public to the fact that a person diagnosed with measles in the Boston metropolitan area has visited various parts of the state, where others may have been exposed.

The infected person, who was diagnosed Sunday, went to several places during the infectious period, according to the Mbadachusetts Department of Public Health. Locations include Plymouth, Waltham, Braintree, Framingham and Hyannis.

"The measles virus is currently causing significant measles outbreaks at the national and international levels and the lack of vaccination, combined with domestic and international travel, has resulted in the spread of the disease. "said Dr. Catherine Brown, epidemiologist in the state of Mbadachusetts, in a statement. "Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself from this disease."

Measles is very contagious. Non-immunized individuals who have visited one of the sites at the dates and times indicated below may be at risk of contracting measles and it is advisable to contact their health care provider to confirm their immunization status.

Those who have not been vaccinated or are unaware of their measles immunization status should be vaccinated with at least one dose of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine.

Measles vaccine administered within 72 hours of exposure can prevent the disease, and vaccination beyond this period will provide protection against subsequent exposures.

DPH, local health services and health care providers strive to reach people at high risk of exposure.

The places, including dates and times, where the infected person may have exposed other people include:

Tuesday, March 26th:

13:40 KKatie's Burger Bar, 38, Main St Ext, Plymouth

Wednesday, March 27th:

8:40 am to 10:45 am: Starbucks, 12 Market Place Drive, Waltham

14:05 16:20: Framingham Service Plaza on I-90 Westbound

Thursday, March 28th:

8:50 am to 11:10 am, Staples, 800 Lexington Street, Waltham

9:10 am to 11:15 am, Dunkin 'Donuts, Wal-Lex Mall
876A Lexington St., Waltham

From 11:55 am to 2:05 pm, Whole Foods, 990 Lyannough Road, Hyannis

14h to 16h05, Target, 250 Granite Street, Braintree

Those who have been exposed and are beginning to develop measles symptoms should call their health care provider before going to an office, clinic or emergency department.

The first symptoms of measles occur 10 days to 2 weeks after exposure and may look like a cold (fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes) and a rash appears on the skin 2 to 4 days after the appearance of the first symptoms.

The rash usually appears first on the head and then decreases. The rash usually lasts a few days and then disappears in the same order. People with measles can be contagious until four days before the onset of rash and for four days after the day of onset of rash.

The CDC's recommendations are:
• children. Children should receive their first dose of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine after 12 to 15 months. Children of school age need two doses of MMR vaccine.
• Adults. Adults should receive at least one dose of MMR vaccine. Some high-risk groups need two doses of MMR, such as international travelers, health care workers and students. Adults born in the United States prior to 1957 are considered immunized against measles from past exposures.

For more information, contact your local health department or the DPH of the state at 617-983-6800.

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