"Our first two measles cases in 2026 demonstrate the impact that the measles outbreaks, nationally and internationally, can have here at home. Fortunately, thanks to high vaccination rates, the risk to most Massachusetts residents remains low."
"Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads through the air when an infected person sneezes, coughs, or talks. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours and may even spread through tissues or cups used by someone who has it."
"The adult who was diagnosed returned home recently from abroad and had an uncertain vaccination history. While infectious, the person visited several locations where others were likely exposed to the virus, and health officials said they are working to identify and notify anyone affected."
Massachusetts health officials confirmed two measles cases in 2026, including a school-aged child and a Greater Boston adult. The adult recently returned from abroad with uncertain vaccination status and visited several locations while infectious, prompting health officials to identify and notify exposed individuals. The child was diagnosed out-of-state and remains there during the infectious period with no apparent exposure to Massachusetts residents. These cases reflect the broader national measles outbreak, which has recorded 1,136 confirmed cases nationwide in 2026. Measles spreads through airborne transmission when infected individuals sneeze, cough, or talk, with the virus remaining viable in air for up to two hours. Early symptoms appear 10-14 days after exposure and resemble cold or cough symptoms with fever.
Read at Boston.com
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