MANCHESTER, New Hampshire (WBZ NewsRadio) — Health officials in New Hampshire and Massachusetts are sounding the alarm about a possible measles case that could have spread to others.
The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services and Boston Public Health says that an international traveler — who has been diagnosed with measles — traveled through New Hampshire from New York by bus this week.
Health officials said the possible exposure occurred Tuesday when the individual boarded a 4 p.m. Greyhound bus from New York to Boston before taking a 10 p.m. Boston Express Bus (#5178) which started from Logan International Airport to Manchester, New Hampshire.
That bus made stops at Boston's South Station, Tyngsborough, Mass, Nashua, NH and eventually Manchester, NH.
Officials said anyone on the buses or at the South Station bus terminal in Boston between 8:30 p.m. and midnight could have been exposed and could become ill between March 3 and March 19 — up to 21 days following a potential exposure.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control Measles is a highly contagious virus that is usually spread through coughing and sneezing.
The bus was put out of service and cleaned. While other public or healthcare exposures have been identified, officials say anyone who was on the s should consider themselves exposed to the measles virus and anyone who was in South Station Tuesday night has been potentially exposed.
“Measles is a very contagious disease that can be transmitted through the air. Anybody that believes they may have been exposed on February 26th at either South Station or as a passenger on the Boston Express Line bus #5178 and is not vaccinated or immune is strongly encouraged to call the NH Division of Public Health Services,” said Dr. Benjamin Chan, State Epidemiologist. “For those who are able to receive the vaccine, vaccination within 72 hours of exposure can help prevent disease, but people may still benefit from vaccination even after this time period. For those who are not able to receive the vaccine due to medical reasons, there are other available treatments which can help prevent disease.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.