Health

Case of measles confirmed in Mass. for first time since 2020, officials say

The DPH says the case of the highly contagious, airborne disease is linked to international travel.

A photo of the measles virus under a microscope. Cynthia Goldsmith/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention via AP

July 18, 2024

State officials announced the first case of measles in Massachusetts since 2020 on Thursday.

An adult from Worcester received the diagnosis after traveling abroad, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) said in a statement.

“Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease, which has increased worldwide, including here in the United States and in neighboring states in New England,” Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein said. “Cases of measles have been reported in 30 states since the beginning of last year, mostly in people and communities who are unvaccinated. Vaccination is the best way to protect against measles.”

Measles is very dangerous and easily transmitted, according to DPH. When an infected person sneezes, coughs, or talks, the virus can be sprayed into the air and stay there for up to two hours. People infected with measles can spread it four days before the rash begins, until 4 days after the rash appears. The first symptoms can appear up to 14 days after a person becomes exposed, the department says.

“Measles is most dangerous for children under 5 years of age, adults over 20 years of age, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems,” DPH said.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reported 167 cases of measles in 2024 as of July 11. The majority of the reported cases (84 percent) were not vaccinated against measles, or had an “unknown vaccinations status.” Forty-six percent of those cases were found in children ages 5 and under.

The DPH says measles outbreaks are occurring across Europe. Earlier this month, the department issued a warning about a “potential exposure to measles” related to a person traveling through Boston to Amsterdam.

If you are unsure of your vaccination status, DPH urges you to contact their health provider to get a dose of the MMR vaccine. If you or someone you know exhibits symptoms of measles, contact the DPH at 617-983-6800.