The Massachusetts Department of Health and the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services have both issued alerts regarding a confirmed case of measles from an international visitor. This individual visited Hanover, New Hampshire and the campus of Dartmouth College before returning home abroad. The individual also traveled through Boston to Amsterdam on June 22 and used public transportation while infectious in the U.S., potentially exposing others to the disease.
Residents who are not immune and visited specific locations on certain dates and times may be at risk for developing measles. These locations include Dartmouth College campus, the Hanover Inn, Hanover Scoops, Lou’s Restaurant and Bakery, Dartmouth Coach bus line, and Logan Airport.
Massachusetts Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein emphasized the importance of vaccination as measles is a highly contagious airborne disease. Health department officials are contacting individuals who may have been at high risk of exposure to the infected traveler, as measles is easily spread and can remain in the air for up to two hours. Early symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash that appears on the skin.
If you were exposed and begin to develop symptoms, it is recommended to call your healthcare provider before visiting any medical facility to limit the risk of spreading the disease further. Being vaccinated against measles is the best way to protect oneself from this highly contagious disease.