A case of measles was identified in an individual who was potentially infectious while visiting several public locations on Martha’s Vineyard, from June 8 – June 17, 2015.  A list of the dates, times and locations is shown below.	
•	Monday June 8, 2015.  Chilmark School Playground and Chilmark Library.  2:30 PM – 5:00 PM
•	Monday June 8, 2015.  West Tisbury Public Library.  11:00AM – 3:00 PM.
•	Tuesday, June 9, 2015.  Aquinnah Public Library.  3:00 PM – 5:30 PM
•	Thursday, June 11, 2015.  Aquinnah Public Library.  3:30 PM – 6:30 PM.
•	Friday, June 12, 2015.  Martha’s Vineyard Airport Laundromat in West Tisbury.  1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
•	Tuesday, June 16, 2015.  Ryan Family Amusements in Oak Bluffs.  5:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
•	Tuesday, June 16, 2015.  Sharky’s Cantina in Oak Bluffs.  7:30 PM – 10:30 PM.  
•	Wednesday, June 17, 2015.  Martha’s Vineyard Hospital Emergency Room, afternoon and early evening.  Hospital is following up with exposed staff and patients.
Note:  exposure periods are based on duration of stay at each site, with two hours added.  Measles virus may remain airborne for up to two hours.
What should you do?
•	If you were born in the US before 1957, it is very likely that you are immune to measles. However, to increase the likelihood you are protected against measles, mumps, and rubella, consider receiving a dose of MMR vaccine.
•	If you were born in the US in or after 1957, and you do not have documentation of having 2 doses of MMR or measles-containing vaccine or serologic evidence of immunity, you must receive a dose of vaccine as soon as possible.
•	If you were born outside of the US (regardless of year of birth), and you do not have documentation of having 2 doses of MMR or measles-containing vaccine, or serologic evidence of immunity, you must receive a dose of vaccine as soon as possible.
•	A blood test showing you are protected against measles is considered serologic evidence of immunity. However, having had the disease in the past alone is not evidence of immunity.
Immunization Clinic at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital
Martha’s Vineyard Hospital in Oak Bluffs will be holding a free measles immunization clinic in the Doctor’s Wing of the old Hospital on Wednesday, June 24th and Thursday June 25th from 5pm-9pm.

Possible exclusion period 
People who are exposed to measles and who do not have evidence of immunity must get vaccinated or may have to stay home from the 5th through the 21st days after the exposure.  	

For infants who are too young to be vaccinated, they will have to remain at home during the exclusion period. For pregnant women who are unable to get vaccinated, blood work should be performed to see if they are immune. If they are NOT immune, they should contact their provider and will have to remain at home during the exclusion period. If you work or attend school in Boston please contact the Boston Public Health Commission at 617-534-5611.
If you develop symptoms of measles, please stay home and call your doctor.
NOTE: Before going to your healthcare provider, make sure they know in advance that you have been exposed to measles so they can ensure that other patients are not exposed when you visit.	

What is measles? Measles is a very contagious disease that usually lasts a week or two. It can cause serious problems like ear infections, pneumonia, swelling of the brain in some people, especially pregnant women, infants, and those with weakened immune systems. Adults are also at increased risk for severe disease and may need to be hospitalized due to complications.
	
What are the symptoms? 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 ten days after infection. A few days later, a red blotchy rash starts on the face first, and then spreads to the rest of the body.
	
How is measles spread? The virus that causes measles lives in the nose and throat and is sprayed into the air when an infected person coughs or talks. Other people nearby can then inhale the virus. Measles is very infectious and can stay in the air for up to two hours after the contagious person has left the room.  Touching tissues or sharing a cup used by someone with measles also spreads the virus.  People with measles are infectious for 4 days prior to rash onset, until 4 days after onset.  If someone is susceptible to measles, they usually show symptoms 10-14 days after exposure.
	
Can measles be prevented? Yes, there is a vaccine to prevent measles. (It protects against measles, mumps, and
rubella and is called the MMR). The vaccine is normally given to young children, but adolescents and adults who are not immune should also be vaccinated.  Adults born in or after 1957 and children > 12 months of age should have documentation of 2 doses of MMR or serologic evidence of immunity to measles.
	
What should pregnant women, those with weakened immune systems, or those with an infant do? If you are pregnant (or think that you might be), if you have a weakened immune system, or if you have an infant under one year of age, it is very important that you contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible. 
	
What should people who work in high risk settings do? If you are a clinician or work in a healthcare facility, daycare, or any other high risk setting, please contact the Massachusetts Department of Public Health or your local board of health immediately for further guidance (617-983-6800). 
Immunization Clinic at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital
Martha’s Vineyard Hospital in Oak Bluffs will be holding a free measles immunization clinic in the Doctor’s Wing of the old Hospital on Wednesday, June 24th and Thursday June 25th from 5pm-9pm.	

For more information, please call your primary care physician or the Division of Epidemiology and Immunization at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (617-983-6800).