An international visitor who traveled from Boston to Amsterdam using public transportation on Saturday, June 22 while infectious has sparked a measles exposure alert in Massachusetts. According to the Department of Public Health (DPH), the person’s potential exposure may have taken place on the Dartmouth Coach bus line in Hanover, NH at 11:40 a.m., and at Terminal E on Flight KLM6016 from Boston to Amsterdam from 2:40 p.m. to 8:40 p.m.
In addition to these travel locations, the individual was also in various areas between June 20-22, including the Dartmouth College campus, Hanover Inn, Hanover Scoops, and Lou’s Restaurant and Bakery in Hanover.
Measles is an extremely contagious disease that can spread easily through respiratory droplets or by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus. Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes before a body rash develops. Those experiencing such symptoms should contact a healthcare provider before visiting any medical facility to prevent further spread of the disease.
According to Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD, measles has been experiencing an increase in cases and outbreaks worldwide. The best way to protect oneself from the disease is to ensure they are vaccinated against it. Unvaccinated individuals are at a higher risk of infection and can easily spread it to others if they come into contact with an infected person or surface contaminated with the virus.
