The Mass. Department of Public Health has issued an alert regarding a possible exposure to measles from an international visitor. According to DPH, the individual traveled through Boston to Amsterdam using public transportation on Saturday, June 22 while they were infectious.
DPH has specified that possible exposure to this individual may have occurred at 11:40 a.m. on the Dartmouth Coach bus line in Hanover, NH. The individual then traveled from Dartmouth College to Boston, MA, and arrived at Logan Airport (Boston, MA) at approximately 2:40 p.m. They then spent time from 2:40 p.m. to 8:40 p.m. at Terminal E, Gate E5 for Flight KLM6016 from Boston to Amsterdam.
The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services has also confirmed additional areas where this individual visited, including Dartmouth College campus, Hanover, The Hanover Inn, Hanover Scoops, and Lou’s Restaurant and Bakery in Hanover, on various dates between June 20-22.
Measles, as stated by the Department of Health, is highly contagious and more easily spread than almost any other disease. Symptoms of measles include high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes, which are usually followed by a body rash. Authorities recommend that anyone showing symptoms should contact their healthcare provider before visiting any healthcare facility.
Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD emphasized that measles is a highly contagious airborne disease with an increase in cases and outbreaks worldwide. He further stated that unvaccinated individuals are at a higher risk of infection, and vaccination is the best way to protect oneself from this disease.