An international traveler who visited both Massachusetts and New Hampshire in late June tested positive for measles, leading health officials to issue warnings about potential exposure to the virus at several public locations in both states. The individual, whose nationality was not disclosed, traveled from Boston to Amsterdam while infected with measles.
According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), exposures may have occurred on a Dartmouth Coach bus line from Hanover, New Hampshire to Boston's Logan Airport and at Terminal E in the airport between 2:40 p.m. and 8:40 p.m.
Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease that can live in the nose and throat of an infected person and be spread through respiratory droplets when they sneeze, cough, or talk. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left a room.
People with measles are contagious for approximately four days before and after the rash appears. Symptoms of measles include high fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes, and a body rash that starts at the hairline and spreads downward.
The Massachusetts DPH is urging anyone who may have been exposed to contact their healthcare provider before going to the hospital to prevent the spread of measles. The department also advised that vaccination is the best way to protect against measles, with a vaccine given within 72 hours of exposure offering complete prevention.
The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is investigating potential exposures in Hanover, where the traveler visited several public places between June 20th and 22nd. These locations include Dartmouth College campus, The Hanover Inn on E. Wheelock Street, Hanover Scoops on S. Main Street, Lou's Restaurant and Bakery on S. Main Street, and the Dartmouth Coach bus from Hanover to Boston Logan Airport.
At this time, there are no confirmed cases of measles in New Hampshire.
The Massachusetts DPH also warned that anyone who flew from Boston to Amsterdam on June 22 between 2:40 p.m. and 8:40 p.m., specifically on Flight KLM6016 from Gate E5, may have been exposed to measles.
Measles is a highly contagious disease that can spread quickly in communities where people are not vaccinated or immune.
It's important for individuals to ensure they are up-to-date on their vaccinations and take precautions when traveling, especially during outbreaks of infectious diseases. The Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective in preventing measles and its complications.
If you have any concerns about potential exposure to measles or other infectious diseases, contact your healthcare provider for guidance.
