Boston Resident Diagnosed With Measles; Possible Exposure Locations Identified

BOSTON (CBS) – A Boston resident has the city's first confirmed case of the measles since 2013. The Public Health Commission announced Wednesday that others may have been exposed at a number of locations in the South End, Fenway and Back Bay neighborhoods.

Doctors diagnosed the case on Sunday.

"It's extremely contagious. People who are not vaccinated or who have not had measles before, approximately nine out of 10 people will get infected if they come into contact with the virus," said Boston Health Commission Medical Director Jennifer Lo. Lo added that Massachusetts has high vaccination rates and has not seen an outbreak of measles like those that have been cropping up in other parts of the country.

Health officials released the following lists of locations in Boston and times where the person could have exposed others:

Friday, October 4th 1:30pm to 4:30pm
Render Coffee, 563 Columbus Avenue, South End

Friday, October 4th 2:30pm to 4:45pm
Cafe Madeleine, 517 Columbus Avenue, South End

Friday, October 4th 6:30pm to 9:30pm
Gyroscope, 305 Huntington Avenue, Fenway

Saturday, October 5th 11:30am to 1:35pm
CouCou, 24 Union Park Street, South End

Saturday, October 5th 12:00pm to 2:15pm
Sir Speedy, 827 Boylston Street, Back Bay

Anyone who was at those locations could get sick between Oct. 25 and Oct. 26, which is 21 days following the potential exposure.

One area mother said she was concerned by the possible exposure. "It is a concern because it is a large community with all the students," she said.

The commission said anyone who was exposed and isn't sure of their immunization status or begins to develop measles symptoms should contact their healthcare provider. Those who have had the measles or received two doses of measles-containing vaccines are unlikely to get sick.

Dr. Mallika Marshall On Measles

Measles is very contagious and is usually spread through coughing and sneezing. It can stay in the environment for up to two hours after the infected person has left the area. Symptoms include a high fever, runny nose, cough and red eyes, followed by a skin rash a few days later that begins as flat, red spots on the face.

"This is a dangerous disease, but it is preventable. Getting vaccinated is the best way for everyone to protect themselves from measles," said BPHC Medical Director, Dr. Jennifer Lo, in a statement.

The commission is working with the state's department of health to contact people who may have been exposed. More information is expected at a Wednesday afternoon press conference.