Measels at the Aquarium

Quoted from Boston.com:

BOSTON -- Health officials warned recent visitors to the New England Aquarium that they may have been exposed to the measles after a volunteer was positively diagnosed with the virus.

The Boston Public Health Commission on Friday reported that a 17-year-old Vermont resident was contagious when they volunteered at the aquarium on May 19 and May 22.

The Commission's Infectious Disease Bureau said anyone who was at the aquarium's main building after noon on those days may have been exposed to the virus.

Anyone who was in the building during those times and who does not know if they are immune to measles was advised to refrain from public activity until 21 days after the exposure, according to a Health Commission news release.
The aquarium was working with health officials to minimize the chance of infection spreading.
The latest outbreak of the measles in Massachusetts has state health officials concerned.

"It really is a real worry for us. We have not had this many cases since 2006. We've had 17 cases so far this year and 12 since May 1," Massachusetts of Public Health Dr. Al DeMaria said.

With measles on the rise, the Department of Public Health said young children, anyone who works in health care or anyone who plans to travel should get vaccinated.

Health officials said they believe the source of the outbreak is from people traveling out of the country, who haven't been immunized.
An infected person can easily spread the airborne disease, and doctors say anyone returning from a trip with symptoms should call their doctor.

The vaccine is widely available and should be considered for anyone born after 1957.
Measles is a very contagious disease that usually lasts a week or two and can cause serious problems such as ear infections, pneumonia, swelling of the brain in some people, especially pregnant women, infants and those with weakened immune systems, according to health officials.

Adults are also at increased risk for severe disease and may need to be hospitalized due to complications, health officials said.

The DPH said measles looks and feels like a cold at first. A cough, high fever, runny nose and red, watery eyes are common. These symptoms start about 10 days after infection. A few days later, a red blotchy rash starts on the face first, then spreads to the rest of the body.