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Resident is diagnosed with Boston’s first case of measles since 2013

The city’s public health commission said it urges “anyone who does not know their measles immunization status to get vaccinated with at least one dose of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. Those who have had measles in the past or have received two doses of measles containing vaccine are unlikely to become ill even if exposed.”JOHANNES EISELE/AFP/Getty Images/AFP/Getty Images

The Boston Public Health Commission issued a measles warning Wednesday after a person was diagnosed with the respiratory virus, the first case confirmed in a city resident since 2013, officials said.

In a statement, the commission said the case was diagnosed on Oct. 6, and identified five public places the person visited during the period when they were most contagious.

Those locations were Render Coffee, at 563 Columbus Ave. in the South End, between 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 4; Cafe Madeleine, 517 Columbus Ave. in the South End, between 2:30 p.m. and 4:45 p.m. on Oct. 4; Gyroscope, 305 Huntington Ave. in the Fenway neighborhood, between 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on Oct. 4; CouCou, at 24 Union Park St. in the South End, between 11:30 a.m. and 1:35 p.m. on Oct. 5; and Sir Speedy, 827 Boylston St. in the Back Bay, between noon and 2:15 p.m. Oct. 5.

Anyone who visited these locations at those times potentially could become ill 21 days following exposure.

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The commission said measles is a “very contagious virus that is spread through the air, usually through coughing and sneezing. The virus may remain in the environment for up to two hours after the infectious person has left the area. Exposure can occur even without direct contact with an infectious person. Early symptoms include a high fever, runny nose, cough and red eyes. A skin rash usually occurs three to five days later and begins with flat, red spots on the face.”

The commission is working with the state Department of Public Health to find individuals who may be at a high risk of exposure. People are urged to check their immunization status for the Measles Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Dr. Jennifer Lo, medical director of the Boston Public Health Commission, said in the statement that the public can take steps to guard against measles.

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“This is a dangerous disease, but it is preventable,” Lo said. “Getting vaccinated is the best way for everyone to protect themselves from measles.”


Travis Andersen can be reached at travis.andersen@globe.com.