First Case of Measles in 2015 Reported in MA

Measles has made its first Massachusetts appearance in 2015.

Apparently the patient is a student visiting the United States from Western Europe.

In the interest of alerting those who may have come in contact with the patient, the Mass. Department of Public Health released information on his whereabouts during his recent sight-seeing adventures.

• On Wednesday, April 22, he was at the JFK Library, and ate at the Subway sandwich shop in the Harvard Square Garage.
• He spent Thursday, April 23, at the Cape Ann Museum in Gloucester.
• The patient rode the Commuter Rail from Hamilton Station to Boston on Friday, April 24. He stopped by a handful of shops in Faneuil Hall, and returned to Hamilton Station via North Station.

While many people grow apprehensive when seemingly archaic diseases reemerge, the Commissioner of Public Health told WHDH News 7 that Massachusetts residents needn’t be alarmed. Although, they may want to double-check their vaccination records.

“Most measles cases in the U.S. have been among unvaccinated people and people who don’t know their vaccination status,” said Dr. Monica Bharel.

“This provides an opportunity to remind people to confirm their immunization status with their healthcare provider, and for parents to have their children vaccinated.”

She also noted that as 95 percent of Massachusetts students have been vaccinated, there is a very slim chance of outbreak.