Second Free Measles Vaccination After Two More Suspected Cases

The Boston Public Health Commission will hold a second free measles vaccination Friday from noon to 5 p.m. in the Park Square Building on 31 St. James Ave. after two more people are believed to have the airborn and highly infectious virus.

The first confirmed case occurred yesterday, when an employee at the French consulate fell ill this month. The 24-year-old woman displayed the classic signs of a high fever, runny nose, cough, and red watery eyes. It's usually followed by a signerature rash on the face two to four days later.

Measles is an airborne virus that is easily spread through the air by coughing and sneezing.

The other suspected cases are a woman in her 30's who ate at a restaurant in the Park Square Building that was one of several visited by the French consulate employee, and a woman in her 20's who lives near her. 

On Wednesday, the Public Health Commission vaccinated more than 80 people who work in the building. Anyone who has been in the area in the last month may have been exposed, and should show up to receive a free shot, officials say.

"Vaccination is really the best protection against measles,’’ said Dr. Anita Barry, director of the Infectious Disease Bureau at the Boston Public Health Commission. "We encourage people who frequented the Park Square Building and restaurants in that area who do not know that they have previously been vaccinated against measles and are concerned about their potential exposure to visit the free clinic and get their measles vaccination.’’

People are considered immune to measles if they have had two doses of measles-containing vaccine (MMR).

Symptoms usually begin 10 to 12 days after exposure to a person with measles, but can be delayed for as long as 18 days. Once again, early symptoms include a high fever, runny nose, cough, and red, watery eyes. A skin rash usually occurs two to four days later and begins on the face but soon spreads to other parts of the body. If you think you've been  exposed to measles, contact your health care provider right away.