News Summary
Health officials in Boston have issued a measles alert after an infected individual was present in the city over the weekend. The person visited several locations, including the Westin Boston Seaport District Hotel and the Museum of Fine Arts. Authorities are urging the community to monitor for symptoms and ensure vaccinations are up to date, as they identify individuals who may have been exposed. The outbreak highlights the importance of the MMR vaccine, which offers significant protection against measles amidst rising cases nationwide.
Boston Health Officials Issue Measles Alert
A person infected with measles was in Boston during the weekend of June 7-8, prompting health officials to urge the community to monitor for symptoms and ensure vaccinations are up to date. The Boston Public Health Commission and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed the presence of the infected individual, who visited several locations throughout the city.
The individual was reported to have been at the Westin Boston Seaport District Hotel and the Museum of Fine Arts Boston on June 8, as well as Logan Airport Terminal C the same day. After leaving Boston, the infected person boarded JetBlue Flight 639 to Miami, departing at 9:12 p.m. on June 8.
Vaccination Recommendations
Health authorities are actively working to identify and contact individuals who may have been exposed to the person with measles. Those who are not vaccinated against measles and believe they might have been in contact with the infected person are strongly advised to reach out to their healthcare provider as soon as possible. Additionally, individuals identified as having been exposed should refrain from going to public places and monitor for any symptoms for a period of 21 days, ending on June 29.
The Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective, providing 93% to 97% protection against measles and severely reducing the risk of complications from the disease. In Suffolk County, where Boston is located, approximately 94% of children are reported to be fully vaccinated against measles.
About Measles
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection characterized by flu-like symptoms, including a cough, high fever, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, which is followed by a distinctive red, blotchy rash. The virus spreads easily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, as well as via surfaces contaminated by an infected individual.
This year, the United States has witnessed a concerning increase in measles cases, with outbreaks reported across multiple states. Tragic incidents include the deaths of two unvaccinated children in Texas and an unvaccinated adult in New Mexico, underscoring the serious risks associated with the disease.
Importance of Vaccination
In light of the recent outbreak, public health officials, including the Boston Public Health Commissioner, have emphasized the necessity of obtaining the MMR vaccine to safeguard both individual health and community welfare. It is recommended that children receive the MMR vaccine when they are between 12 and 15 months old, with a second dose administered before entering kindergarten. Additionally, children aged at least 6 months requiring international travel should receive an earlier dose of the vaccine. Notably, it is important to recognize that it is never too late to be vaccinated, regardless of age.
As health officials coordinate with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to alert passengers who might be at risk from the Miami flight, community members are encouraged to stay informed and take proactive measures to prevent further spread of the measles virus.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- NBC Boston
- Wikipedia: Measles
- Boston 25 News
- Google Search: Measles outbreak
- WHDH News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Measles
- Boston.com
- Google News: Measles cases
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
