A person with measles flew into Logan last week, Boston health officials say

A person infected with measles passed through Boston's Logan International Airport last week, according to city and state health officials.

The traveler left Fort Lauderdale, Florida, at 8:54 p.m. on Monday, April 13, on JetBlue flight 470 to Boston. The person was in Terminal C at Logan shortly after midnight on Tuesday, April 14, and then left the state in a private vehicle.

In a statement, the Boston Public Health Commission said anyone in Terminal C between midnight and 2:30 a.m. on April 14 may have been exposed to the highly contagious respiratory virus.

The commission and the state's Department of Public Health are working to identify and contact people who may be affected.

Health officials urged any unvaccinated individuals who may be exposed connect with a health care provider and monitor for symptoms. They also said exposed unvaccinated individuals should avoid public places for 21 days — until May 5.

Health officials said the incident is a reminder that getting vaccinated against measles is the best way to prevent its spread. The measles vaccine is up to 97% effective at preventing the disease and protecting against severe illnesses, according to the Boston Public Health Commission.

“This case of measles underscores the continued importance of obtaining the MMR [measles, mumps and rubella] vaccine. The MMR vaccine is highly effective at preventing measles infection and also protects against mumps and rubella,” said Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Boston's public health commissioner, in a statement.

Doctors in Massachusetts often administer the first of the two-dose vaccine to children around age 1; the second dose is typically given to kids beginning at age 4.

Ojikutu said it's not too late for unvaccinated adults and older children to get the shots. She urged those who do not know their immunization status to get vaccinated with at least one MMR dose.

Measles is rare in Massachusetts. This year, two Massachusetts residents have had confirmed measles cases, the statement said. But outbreaks are growing in other parts of the country and the globe.

“As measles cases continue to surge across our country, we should all ensure that we are vaccinated to prevent spread and serious illness," Ojikutu said.

The highly contagious virus typically begins with flu-like symptoms, followed by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the face to the rest of the body.

Measles can linger in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person breaths, coughs or sneezes in the area.