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Measles warning expands in Framingham

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has confirmed a case of the measles in someone who was at a Framingham restaurant this month.

DPH issued an extended alert for measles Tuesday. DPH reported that someone with measles was in the Samba restaurant during the evening of Feb. 15.

"This is to inform you that a confirmed case of measles was in this building while infectious on February 15th between the hours of 5:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.," the alert said.

Bose also announced that there was a confirmed case at one of their Framingham facilities.

"There's been a confirmed case of measles at one of our Framingham, Massachusetts facilities. We have followed all state and local guidelines to protect and inform our employees," Joanne Berthiaume from Bose Public Relations said.

This comes after DPH had already confirmed two cases of the measles within the past week in people who live in the Metrowest area. One of the people with a confirmed case was in the Trader Joe's in Framingham on Feb. 15 and 16 while infectious, according to DPH.

Steven Ward, Framingham's health director, said pinpointing where the virus was transmitted can be very difficult.

Opting for education, Ward's department held two clinics at Trader Joe's, vaccinating some 50 people.

Though most people have been vaccinated against measles, the disease is very contagious and lasts one to two weeks. Early symptoms develop 10 days to two weeks after exposure, and may resemble a cold. Two to four days after the initial symptoms develop, a rash appears, usually first on the head and then moving downward.

The disease can cause serious problems such as ear infections, pneumonia, and brain swelling in some people. People more prone to these serious problems include pregnant women, infants and those who have weakened immune systems.

Anyone who is pregnant or has an weakened immune system who thinks they may have been exposed to the disease is urged to contact a health provider right away. Additionally, people who begin to develop symptoms should also contact their doctor.

For more information, contact the Division of Epidemiology and Immunization at 617-983-6800.

Cox Media Group

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