Several cases of chickenpox have emerged at a Roxbury migrant shelter, putting health officials on alert and triggering a response to contain the virus. The Massachussetts Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a "small number" of chickenpox cases were identified in the days leading up to March 1 at the Melnea Cass Recreation Complex, a temporary housing site for migrants. The DPH spokesperson divulged to Boston 25 News that there have been no further cases reported since that date.
Authorities acted quickly to urgently isolate the affected individuals along with their families at another location until it was confirmed they could no longer spread the virus, ensuring to not unnecessarily expose others. Details about when these cases first surfaced or the ages of those infected have not been provided by officials. Vaccine clinics were swiftly set up at the shelter site on March 1 and March 3 to offer vaccinations to everyone who had been potentially exposed, as reported by a spokesperson in a statement obtained by the Boston Herald.
DPH took additional precautionary steps by reviewing and reinforcing cleaning protocols to ensure continued prevention of the disease at the shelter. They maintained close communication with the Boston Public Schools and the Boston Public Health Commission, keeping them fully informed about the situation. Meanwhile, in the broader context of Boston Public Schools, spokesman Max Baker, told the Boston Herald, "There is 'no outbreak concern' at Boston Public Schools", with the last known case detected on March 1.
Former FEMA regional director Louis Elisa cautioned that the shelter's conditions were ripe for such health concerns. Elisa reportedly told the Boston Herald that "There are just too many people in that spot", suggesting relocating them to the Shattuck Hospital to mitigate any further spread. The shelter, one of several state-run sites in the Greater Boston area, is scheduled to close on May 31, and is a temporary solution for families currently on the waitlist for emergency shelter placement.
Concern for disease spread in shelters is not a new issue, with the Chicago Department of Public Health issuing a warning in December 2023 about a rise in chickenpox, particularly among shelter residents new to the U.S. This attention on preventive measures and vaccination comes as public health officials grapple with the dual responsibilities of managing disease outbreaks while concurrently attending to the needs of the vulnerable migrant population within their care.
