Massachusetts public health officials confirmed two cases of measles on Friday, February 27, 2026, marking the first diagnoses of the highly contagious virus in the state this year.
One case involves a school-aged patient who was exposed and diagnosed while out of state and remains there, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH). The second confirmed case is an adult resident of the Greater Boston area whose vaccination history is currently uncertain. This individual recently returned from international travel and may have exposed others to the virus during its infectious period, prompting a contact tracing effort by state health officials.
The DPH is actively working to identify and notify individuals who may have been exposed. While officials state there is currently no evidence of measles spreading within Massachusetts, the cases emerge as national measles outbreaks are occurring, according to reporting from NBC Boston.
“Measles is the most contagious respiratory virus and can cause life-threatening illness,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein in a statement. “These cases are a reminder of the need for health care providers and local health departments to remain vigilant for cases so that appropriate public health measures can be rapidly employed to prevent spread in the state. This is likewise a reminder that getting vaccinated is the best way for people to protect themselves from this disease.”
Measles is considered rare in Massachusetts, with fewer than ten cases reported annually between 2016 and 2025, DPH data indicates. Nationally, but, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 1,136 confirmed measles cases in the United States as of February 26, 2026. Ten new outbreaks have been reported this year, and 90% of confirmed cases are linked to existing outbreaks that began in 2025 or 2026.
Initial symptoms of measles include cough, runny nose, red eyes, and fever. Typically, a rash develops two to four days after these initial symptoms, starting on the head and spreading down the body.
