An individual with measles traveled by bus from Hanover, N.H., to Logan Airport in Boston on June 22. The person traveled on a Dartmouth Coach bus, departing from Dartmouth College at 11:40 a.m. and arriving at Logan around 2:40 p.m. The individual spent time in Terminal E from 2:40 to 8:40 p.m. before boarding flight KLM606 at Gate E5.
Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease that can be easily transmitted through the air and on surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH). Public health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein emphasized the importance of being vaccinated against measles to protect oneself and others, especially since it is highly contagious and can cause severe symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a subsequent rash that appears on the skin two to four days after the initial symptoms.
The DPH has issued a warning about potential exposure to measles by an infected international visitor who traveled by bus from Hanover, N.H., to Logan Airport in Boston for a flight to Amsterdam on June 22. Officials are working to identify and notify individuals who may have come into contact with the infected traveler during their stay at Logan Airport or on their flight from Boston to Amsterdam, although tracking down people on public transportation can be challenging due to privacy concerns and logistical issues.
If individuals suspect they may have been exposed or are experiencing any symptoms of measles, they should check their immunization status and seek medical attention promptly. The measles vaccine can be effective when administered within 72 hours of exposure or up until six months after exposure if there is no evidence of immunity prior to receiving it, providing protection from future exposures beyond that timeframe. Those who were exposed and do not have evidence of immunity may be quarantined for up to 21 days following the exposure as recommended by health officials
