Massachusetts health officials are sounding the alarm for a potential measles exposure linked to an out-of-state visitor who recently traveled through Boston and spent time in Westborough. According to a release from the Boston Public Health Commission, the adult had been diagnosed with measles and was present at several locations earlier this month where others may have been exposed to the virus.
Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD, warned in a statement obtained by the Boston Public Health Commission, "Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease, which has increased significantly in the United States because of the unfortunate decrease in vaccination rates. It is also a preventable disease." He pointed out that while Massachusetts has not had a measles case this year, the entire nation saw nearly 2,000 cases in 2025—the highest in over a decade. He emphasized the importance of vaccination in protecting communities, stating that vaccines are safe, effective, and lifesaving.
The adult arrived on December 11 at 2:39 p.m. on American Airlines flight 2384 from Dallas-Fort Worth, TX, at Boston Logan Airport and stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston-Westborough, departing the following day on JetBlue flight 117 to Las Vegas, NV. Exposure could have occurred on December 11 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. at Logan Airport Terminal B, at the DoubleTree hotel between 3:30 p.m. on December 11 and 9 p.m. on December 12, and at Logan Airport Terminal C, from 6 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. on December 12.
Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Commissioner of Public Health for the City of Boston, emphasized the importance of vaccination. "This case is a reminder that everyone should be vaccinated against measles to protect themselves and others from this highly infectious disease. With multiple measles outbreaks across the country and increased travel around the holidays, now is an important time to ensure that you and your family are protected. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective at preventing measles and protect against mumps and rubella infection," she said, as stated by the Boston Public Health Commission. She further advised that children get the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine at 12-15 months of age and a second dose before entering kindergarten, with an extra recommendation for an early dose before international travel or travel to areas with active outbreaks for children at least 6 months old.
The health department urges anyone who visited the specified locations on the dates and times mentioned to monitor for symptoms of measles, which start like a cold with a subsequent rash, and to contact a healthcare provider if symptoms develop. Providers suspecting measles cases are urged to contact the Department of Public Health for Boston immediately for testing guidance.
In light of the national spike in measles cases, where a total of 1,988 cases were reported across 44 jurisdictions in the U.S. in 2025, officials are urging residents to check their vaccination status and get vaccinated if necessary. According to the Boston Public Health Commission, the majority of those cases were among individuals who were unvaccinated or had an unknown vaccination status. Everyone's chances of staying measles-free are best if they've had two doses of the vaccine, which is 97% effective at preventing the disease.
