Massachusetts has confirmed its first case of measles since 2020, raising concerns about the highly contagious airborne disease. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) announced on Thursday that the case involved an adult from Worcester who had recently traveled internationally.

Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein emphasized the seriousness of the situation, noting that measles has seen a resurgence worldwide, including in the United States and neighboring New England states. Since the start of last year, measles cases have been reported in 30 states, predominantly among unvaccinated individuals and communities.

“Vaccination is the best way to protect against measles,” Goldstein stated, underscoring the importance of immunization in preventing outbreaks.

Measles is known for its high transmission rate and can be easily spread through the air. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person sneezes, coughs, or talks. Individuals infected with measles can transmit the virus from four days before the onset of the characteristic rash until four days after the rash appears. Symptoms can manifest as late as 14 days after exposure.

The DPH highlighted that measles poses significant risks, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children under five, adults over 20, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 167 cases of measles in the United States as of July 11, 2024, with a staggering 84 percent of those cases occurring in unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status. Notably, 46 percent of the reported cases involved children aged five and under.

In light of the recent case in Massachusetts, the DPH has issued warnings regarding the potential for measles exposure, particularly following reports of outbreaks in Europe. Earlier this month, the department alerted the public about possible exposure related to a traveler passing through Boston en route to Amsterdam.

If individuals are uncertain about their vaccination status, the DPH encourages them to reach out to their healthcare provider to receive the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. Those exhibiting symptoms of measles are advised to contact the DPH at 617-983-6800.

Common symptoms of measles include:

• Flu-like symptoms
• Cough, fever, and runny nose
• Watery, red eyes
• Red blotchy rash that spreads across the body
• Diarrhea
• Pneumonia
• Ear infections

As the situation develops, health officials continue to monitor the spread of measles and encourage vaccination as a critical measure to protect public health.

Stay informed about the latest health news and updates in Massachusetts as officials work to manage this public health concern.