Second Measles Case Confirmed In Merrimack Valley

CHELMSFORD, MA — A second case of measles has been confirmed in the Merrimack Valley, state health officials said Saturday. The Department of Public Health said the person was diagnosed Thursday, and was present at a number of area locations during the infectious period.

The person was at:

• The Chelmsford T.J. Maxx on Sunday, Nov. 11, between 3-7 p.m.
• The Tewksbury Walmart Supercenter on Thursday, Nov. 15, between 5-8 p.m.
• The Lowell Community Health Center on Thursday, Nov. 15, between 4-9 p.m.

Measles is very contagious, and those who are not immune and visited any of the aforementioned locations during said times could be at risk of developing the disease, officials said. You should call your health provider to confirm your immunization status. Those who do not know their status should be vaccinated with at least one dose of MMR vaccine, officials said.

Another patient was diagnosed with measles on Nov. 8. Both diagnoses were made at Lowell Community Health Center, but "there are no known links between the two cases," State Epidemiologist Dr. Catherine Brown said.

"Our efforts now are to identify people who may be at risk of getting ill and to get them vaccinated," Brown said. "Getting vaccinated within 3-5 days of an exposure can reduce the likelihood of getting measles."

Early symptoms are similar to cold-like symptoms and occur 10-14 days after exposure. A rash occurs 2-4 days after the initial symptoms. The rash usually starts on the head and moves downward.

People with measles may be contagious up to four days after the rash appears through four days after it disappears.

Call the Department of Public Health at 617-983-6800 for more information.

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