Tejal Somvanshi
Health officials have issued an urgent warning after a person with measles visited Boston on June 7-8, 2025. The infected individual spent time at several busy locations, potentially exposing hundreds to this highly contagious disease.
The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) and Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) identified four locations where people may have been exposed: the Westin Boston Seaport District hotel (June 7, 5:30 p.m. to June 8, 1:30 p.m.), Museum of Fine Arts Boston (June 8, 1:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.), Logan Airport Terminal C (June 8, 5:00 p.m. to 11:15 p.m.), and JetBlue flight 639 to Miami (departing June 8 at 9:12 p.m.).
“This case highlights the importance of obtaining the MMR vaccine to protect ourselves and our community,” said Boston Public Health Commissioner Dr. Bisola Ojikutu. “The MMR vaccine is highly effective at preventing measles infection.”
Health officials are urging anyone who was at these locations during the specified times and is unvaccinated to contact their healthcare provider immediately, avoid public places, and monitor for symptoms until June 29.
Recognizing Measles Symptoms
Measles begins with flu-like symptoms that appear 7-14 days after exposure. Early signs include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. The distinctive red, blotchy rash typically appears 3-5 days after initial symptoms, starting on the face and spreading downward.
What makes measles particularly dangerous is how easily it spreads. The virus can remain in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. A person with measles is contagious from four days before the rash appears until four days after.
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National Outbreak Reaches Alarming Levels
The Boston case is part of a nationwide surge in measles infections. As of June 13, 2025, the CDC has reported 1,197 confirmed measles cases across 35 states, approaching the 2019 record of 1,274 cases. Three deaths have been reported this year – two unvaccinated children and one unvaccinated adult.
The largest outbreak is centered in Texas, where more than 740 cases have been reported since January. The current wave of infections marks a significant reversal since measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, meaning there was no continuous transmission within the country.
Vaccination Remains Best Protection
The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is 93-97% effective at preventing measles infection when properly administered. According to DPH data, 94% of children in Suffolk County are fully vaccinated against measles, providing a good level of community protection.
However, pockets of unvaccinated individuals remain vulnerable. The CDC recommends children receive their first dose at 12-15 months and a second dose at 4-6 years. Adults without evidence of immunity should also consider vaccination, especially before traveling.
“It is never too late for children or adults to get the measles vaccine and for the vaccine to be effective,” Dr. Ojikutu emphasized.
Health officials are working diligently to contact people who may have been exposed, particularly passengers on the JetBlue flight. For the latest information, residents can visit Boston.gov/measles or consult with their healthcare provider.
