An grownup resident from Worcester County who lately traveled internationally has been identified with measles, the primary confirmed case in a Massachusetts resident since 2020, the Massachusetts Division of Public Health reported.
“Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease, which has increased worldwide, including here in the United States and in neighboring states in New England,” stated Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein. “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.”
The contaminated resident was identified in early July, DPH stated, and individuals who could have been uncovered have already been contacted and “provided appropriate public health recommendations.”
As of July 11, there have been 167 measles instances within the U.S. in 2024, in response to CDC knowledge. Of the instances, 84% have been unvaccinated or had unknown vaccine state, 11% had one dose of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella vaccine and 5% have been absolutely vaccinated.
Kids underneath 5 years previous make up practically half of the 2024 reported U.S. instances, 46%, in response to CDC knowledge. In about half the instances, contaminated folks needed to be hospitalized.
DPH warned that “large measles outbreaks are occurring in Europe and elsewhere internationally” and lots of instances within the U.S. are tied to current journey overseas. DPH warned of a possible publicity in Massachusetts in June, after a global traveler headed to Amsterdam took a bus in from New Hampshire to the Boston airport whereas contaminated.
Anybody unsure of their measles immunization standing is urged to contact their physician about getting vaccinated, DPH beneficial.
Health care suppliers who suspect measles ought to name DPH at 617-983-6800 instantly for suggestions and testing steering or domestically name the Boston Public Health Fee at 617-534-5611.
