Measles exposure in Massachusetts, health officials say – NBC Boston

Health officials are issuing a warning about possible measles exposure in multiple locations in Massachusetts.

The state Department of Public Health announced Wednesday that an out-of-state visitor who spent time in Boston and Westborough earlier this month was diagnosed with measles and visited multiple locations which could have resulted in other people being exposed to the virus.

Health officials said the visitor arrived on Dec. 11 at 2:39 p.m. at Boston Logan International Airport on American Airlines flight 2384 from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas. The visitor stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston-Westborough in Westborough and departed the state on Dec. 12 from Logan Airport at 9:19 p.m. on JetBlue flight 117 to Las Vegas, Nevada.

The state is now working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local partners to identify and notify anyone who might have been exposed to measles from this person.

“Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease, which has increased significantly in the United States because of the unfortunate decrease in vaccination rates. It is also a preventable disease,” said Robbie Goldstein, the state’s public health commissioner. “This current situation serves as an important reminder of the critical role vaccination plays in protecting our communities. While Massachusetts has not had a measles case this year, 2025 saw the highest number of nationwide cases in more than a decade – nearly 2,000 in 44 jurisdictions, and sadly, three deaths. Fifteen years ago, measles had been considered eliminated in the United States, but that tremendous progress is at risk.”

Measles is very contagious. However, the risk to most people in Massachusetts is low because the vaccination rate in the state is high. People who are not immune and visited any of the locations on the following dates and times may be at risk for developing measles:

• Logan Airport Terminal B, Boston, 2:30-4:45 p.m., on Thursday, Dec. 11
• DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston-Westborough, Westborough, between 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 11 and 9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 12
• Logan Airport Terminal C, Boston, 6-11:30 p.m., on Friday Dec. 12

Those who could have been 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 if possible. Anyone who has had measles in the past or has received two doses of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is unlikely to develop measles even if exposed.

Early symptoms of measles occur seven to 21 days after exposure and may resemble a cold, with fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes. A rash occurs on the skin two to four days after the initial symptoms develop. The rash usually appears first on the head and then moves downward. It typically lasts a few days and then disappears in the same order. People with measles could be contagious up to four days before the rash appears and for four days after the rash appears.

“This case is a reminder that everyone should be vaccinated against measles to protect themselves and others from this highly infectious disease. With multiple measles outbreaks across the country and increased travel around the holidays, now is an important time to ensure that you and your family are protected,” said Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Boston’s commissioner of public health.

Health care providers who suspect they might have measles are urged to call the Department of Public Health at 617-983-6800 for recommendations and testing guidance. Providers in Boston should call the Boston Public Health Commission at 617-534-5611.