Mass. Health Alert: Risk Of Recent Measles Exposures At Logan, Lexington Pool And Library, Hospital

This just in from the Mass. Department of Public Health:

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed a case of measles which was diagnosed at Lahey Hospital & Medical Center (LHMC).

The individual, during their infectious period, was in a number of locations that could have resulted in exposures to other people. Measles is very contagious and people who are not immune and visited the locations on the below specified dates may be at risk for developing measles or may now be developing symptoms of the disease. Anyone who visited these locations on any of these dates during the times listed is advised to contact their health care provider to confirm their immunization status.

DPH urges all those who do not know their measles immunization status to get vaccinated with at least one dose of Measles Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. Measles vaccine given within 72 hours of exposure may prevent measles disease, and vaccination beyond this window will provide protection from subsequent exposures. Lahey hospital has been reaching out to individuals at high risk of exposure, and is collaborating with DPH and local health authorities to ensure that all exposed individuals have this information.

Exposures to this individual may have occurred at the following locations and times:
Logan Airport Terminal B Boston 8/15, 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Lexington High School Library 251 Waltham St., Lexington 8/16, 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Irving H. Mabee Town Pool Complex 80 Worthen Rd., Lexington 8/19, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Lahey Outpatient Center, Lexington 16 Hayden Ave., Lexington 8/20, 11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

LHMC, Burlington Emergency Department 8/20, 1:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

LHMC, Burlington Inpatient Units 7 Central, 6 Central and 5 Central (ICU and CCU) 8/20 from 8:00 p.m. to 8/21 at 9:00 p.m.

Those who were exposed and begin to develop symptoms of measles should call their healthcare provider before visiting an office, clinic or emergency department. Visiting a healthcare facility may put others at risk and should be avoided. Anyone who has had measles in the past or has received two doses of the vaccine is unlikely to develop measles even if exposed.

Early symptoms of measles occur 10 days to 2 weeks after exposure and may resemble a cold (with fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes) and a rash occurs on the skin 2-4 days after the initial symptoms develop. The rash usually appears first on the head and then moves downward. The rash typically lasts a few days and then disappears in the same order.

People with measles may be contagious up to four days before the rash appears and for four days after the day the rash appears.

People who have had measles in the past or who have been vaccinated against measles per CDC recommendations are considered immune.

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“Fortunately, most people have been vaccinated against measles,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Catherine Brown. “Our efforts now are to identify people who may be at risk of getting ill and to get them vaccinated. If they become ill we ask them to telephone their providers rather than going directly to a healthcare facility.”

For additional information, contact your local health department or DPH at 617-983-6800. Further information is available on the DPH website.