DPH: 2 confirmed cases of measles at Mass. hospitals

BOSTON (MyFoxBoston.com) – The Mass. Department of Public Health has confirmed two cases of measles which were diagnosed during the last two weeks of August at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston and MetroWest Hospital in Framingham.

Measles are highly contagious, and people, who are not immune and who visited either hospital during the at risk dates, could develop the disease or may be developing symptoms of the disease.

According to the DPH, anyone who visited the Massachusetts General Hospital's Medical Walk-in Clinic on August 17 and 19 could be at risk. Additionally, anyone who may have visited MGH's Emergency Department on Aug. 20 or the hospital's inpatient unit on Aug. 20, 21, 22, or 23 may be at risk.

Individuals who visited the MetroWest Hospital's Emergency Department and inpatient unit in Framingham on Aug. 23 or 24 may also be at risk.

Early symptoms of measles occur 10 days to two weeks after exposure and may resemble a cold with fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes. Also, a rash will develop on the skin two to four days after the initial symptoms. The rash typically appears first on the head and moves downward. The rash typically lasts a few days and then disappears in the same order.

People with measles may be contagious up to four days before the rash appears and for four days after the day the rash appears.

Anyone who visited these hospitals on the aforementioned days and is showing symptoms of measles is asked to contact their local healthcare provider. Do not visit a healthcare facility as you may put others at risk.

Both the hospitals have been reaching out to individuals at high risk of exposure and are collaborating with DPH and local health authorities to ensure that all individuals have the necessary information.

For additional information, contact the Mass. Department of Public Health at 617-983-6800.

Cox Media Group