Passengers at Logan Airport might have come into contact with measles.

Measles Exposure Update in Boston

The Boston Public Health Commission announced on Wednesday that there are currently no other known exposure points for measles in the city.

A man, whose identity has not been revealed, arrived at Terminal C shortly after midnight on April 14. After landing, he took a privately owned vehicle back to Rhode Island.

According to Joseph Wendelken, a spokesperson for the Rhode Island Department of Health, “This individual is recovering at home.” However, details about the man’s recent travel or whether he had company during his drive home weren’t provided by health officials.

Travelers who were present in Terminal C between midnight and 2:30 a.m. on April 14 may have been exposed to the highly contagious measles virus. This illness spreads when an infected individual breathes, coughs, or sneezes.

“Unvaccinated individuals who were exposed should reach out to their healthcare provider right away,” health officials emphasized. They also advised those unvaccinated and exposed to stay home and avoid schools, work, public transit, and stores while they monitor for symptoms.

Initial symptoms of measles may include flu-like signs such as a cough, high fever, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. This is typically followed by a red, blotchy rash that starts on the face and spreads across the body, as explained by health officials.

They indicated that measles infection can manifest anywhere from 7 to 21 days after exposure. It’s worth noting that the virus can linger on surfaces, meaning someone could become infected after touching objects contaminated by an infected person within two hours of their presence.

The man also visited a bakery in western Providence last Wednesday afternoon, potentially exposing other customers. Those who were at Panadería El Quetzal on April 15 between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. might have been at risk, as reported by the state’s health department.

It was further noted that he sought treatment at an urgent care clinic later that day.

Andrew Lemos, the communications director for the Boston Public Health Commission, confirmed that no one else in Massachusetts was exposed after the man’s departure from Logan Airport. “Our statewide case count hasn’t changed because this person was just passing through,” Lemos stated.

This year, Massachusetts has reported two confirmed cases of measles. Bisola Ojikutu, Boston’s public health commissioner, highlighted the importance of vaccination, urging the public to get vaccinated as measles cases surge nationwide. “This case underscores the ongoing need for the MMR vaccine,” she remarked.

As of last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted that there have been 1,748 confirmed cases of measles in the United States this year. According to the Boston public health commission, the measles vaccine is 97 percent effective in preventing the disease and safeguarding against severe complications.