Health officials warn residents in two states of possible measles risk

Both the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services issued alerts warning residents about a confirmed case of measles in a foreign visitor who may have infected others.

The person, who has since returned home abroad, visited Hanover, New Hampshire and the Dartmouth College campus. She also traveled to Amsterdam via Boston on June 22, using public transportation while infectious in the United States. In doing so, she may have infected others with the disease, the Department of Health said.

According to state health officials, people who are not immune and who visited any of the following locations on the dates and times indicated may be at risk for contracting measles:

• June 20 – 22: Dartmouth College Campus
• June 20-22: The Hanover Inn at 2 E. Wheelock Street
• June 20, 3 p.m.: Hanover Scoops at 57 S. Main Street
• June 20-22: Lou’s Restaurant and Bakery, 30 S. Main Street (one meal at an unknown date and time)
• 22 June: 11:40am departure of the Dartmouth Coach bus service from Hanover
• June 22: Dartmouth College to Boston, arriving at Logan Airport around 2:40 p.m.
• June 22: 2:40 p.m. to 8:40 p.m., Terminal E at Logan Airport
• June 22: Flight KLM6016 from Boston to Amsterdam, departure from Gate E5

“Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease that is experiencing a surge in cases and outbreaks around the world,” Massachusetts Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein said in a statement. “People who are not vaccinated are at higher risk of infection. The best way for people to protect themselves from this disease is to get vaccinated.”
Health officials are working to contact individuals who may have been at high risk of contact with the infected traveler.

The health department said measles spreads more easily than almost any other disease and can remain airborne for up to two hours.

The first symptoms of measles appear 10 days to two weeks after infection and can resemble a cold with fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, the health department said. Two to four days after the first symptoms appear, a rash appears, usually first on the head.

If you have been exposed to the virus and develop symptoms, authorities say you should call your doctor before visiting an office, clinic or emergency room to limit the risk of spread.