Massachusetts logs two measles cases, no statewide spread

Massachusetts health officials announced the first two measles cases among Bay State residents Friday but said there's no sign yet that the highly contagious virus is spreading around the commonwealth.

The Department of Public Health said one "school-aged" resident was exposed and diagnosed with the measles out of state. That resident remains out of state while in the "infectious period."

The other measles case involves a Greater Boston resident who recently traveled internationally and has an "uncertain vaccination history," DPH said. The individual visited "several locations" while contagious, and health officials are working to notify people who were potentially exposed.

"Our first two measles cases in 2026 demonstrate the impact that the measles outbreaks, nationally and internationally, can have here at home," Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein said. "Fortunately, thanks to high vaccination rates, the risk to most Massachusetts residents remains low."

The DPH says there's no evidence that measles is currently spreading in Massachusetts, though more cases could happen.

Amid slipping measles vaccination rates elsewhere, the country so far in 2026 has logged 1,136 confirmed measles cases as of Thursday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. There have been 10 new reported measles outbreaks this year, and the CDC says 90% of confirmed cases are tied to outbreaks.

Some measles cases could turn into "potentially serious" or even "life-threatening" illnesses, DPH said. Early symptoms resembling a cold may take 10 days to two weeks to develop a measles exposure. A rash then develops two to four days after the onset of symptoms.

"Measles is the most contagious respiratory virus and can cause life-threatening illness," Goldstein said. "These cases are a reminder of the need for health care providers and local health departments to remain vigilant for cases so that appropriate public health measures can be rapidly employed to prevent spread in the state. This is also a reminder that getting vaccinated is the best way for people to protect themselves from this disease."