Second Measles Case In MA: Possible Exposure In Quincy, Weymouth

A child has been diagnosed with measles in the greater Boston area and state health officials say the child visited a number of locations in Quincy and Weymouth that could have resulted in others being exposed.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health said this is the second case of measles in the state. The state's first measles case — also in the greater Boston area — was confirmed in April.

"Lack of vaccination, combined with domestic and international travel, has resulted in the spread of measles nationally and internationally," Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel said in a statement. "Getting vaccinated is the best way for people to protect themselves from this disease."

State health officials say the child visited the following locations during the infectious period:

Saturday, May 18

11 a.m. -3 p.m. - Weymouth

Weymouth Club
75 Finnell Drive
Weymouth, MA

Tuesday, May 21

8:15 10:40 a.m. and 5:15 -7:30 p.m. – Quincy
Jack ‘n’ Jill Childcare at Marina Bay
500 Victory Rd.
North Quincy, MA

Wednesday, May 22

4-7 p.m. – Quincy
Star Market
130 Granite Ave, Quincy, MA

2-7 p.m. – Quincy
Quincy YMCA
79 Coddington St, Quincy, MA

Thurdsay, May 23

8:15 – 10:40 a.m. and 5:15 -7:30 p.m. – Quincy
Jack ‘n’ Jill Childcare at Marina Bay
500 Victory Rd.
North Quincy, MA

Friday, May 24

9:10 a.m. – 1:40 p.m. – Quincy
Crown Colony Medical Center
500 Congress Street
Quincy, MA

Officials said anyone who visited the above locations during the specified dates and times should contact their health care provider to confirm their immunization status. Anyone who begins to develop symptoms should contact their health care provider before visiting an office, clinic or emergency room as this could put others at risk.

Officials said anyone who has had the disease or has received two doses of the vaccine is unlikely to develop measles even if they were exposed.

SEE ALSO:

U.S. Measles Outbreak: Here's Who Needs A Vaccine

Measles In U.S.: These Counties Are At Risk For An Outbreak

After being eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, the number of measles cases have reached a record high in the country in 2019. According to the latest numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 880 cases of measles have been reported in 24 states.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that two doses of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine are 97 percent effective in preventing the disease while a single dose is 93 percent effective. Most of this year's cases have been in those who have not been vaccinated.

Measles is a highly contagious disease. According to the CDC, if an infected person enters a room of ten unvaccinated people, nine of those people will get measles.

Massachusetts health officials are urging anyone who does not know their vaccination status to get at least one dose of the MMR vaccine. If a vaccine is given with 72 hours of exposure, it may prevent the disease and a vaccine given beyond this period will protect people from subsequent exposure.

Early symptoms of measles can occur 10 days to two weeks after exposure and may resemble a cold with fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, according to state health officials. A rash occurs on the skin two to four days after the initial symptoms, usually appearing on the head first before moving down.