Latest news with #BPHC
Boston Globe
6 days ago
- Health
- Boston Globe
West Nile Virus risk elevated to ‘high' in Boston, officials say
'Residents should take precautions like using mosquito repellent and avoiding outdoor activities from dusk to dawn,' said Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Boston's public health commissioner. 'BPHC will continue to monitor the situation closely and ensure that our residents have the information that they need to remain safe.' Advertisement Most people who become infected with West Nile Virus show no signs or symptoms of illness, but some may experience headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and body aches that can last a few days to several weeks, officials said. People over the age of 50 and those who are immunocompromised should avoid being outside during dusk and dawn, the peak times for mosquito activity, health officials said. Officials encouraged residents to check around their homes for areas and items with standing water that may attract mosquitoes, such as bird baths, unused flower pots, unused kiddie pools, and old tires. Residents should also clean out their gutters and make sure window and door screens fit properly and have no holes, officials said. Nick Stoico can be reached at
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Public health officials say that person with measles visited Boston
The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is informing the public that a person with measles has visited Boston. Officials say that the individual was in Boston between the dates of June 7 and June 8. In that time frame, the individual visited several places while infected, including: Westin Boston Seaport District Hotel (including restaurants in the hotel) between 5:30 pm on Saturday, June 7, and 1:30 pm on Sunday, June 8 The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, between 1:00 pm and 6:30 pm on Sunday, June 8 Logan Airport Terminal C between 5:00 pm and 11:15 pm on Sunday, June 8 The person then flew on JetBlue Flight 639 to Miami, which departed at 9:12 pm. Measles is a highly contagious virus that gives flu-like symptoms, including cough, high fever, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the face to the rest of the body. Typically when a person who has contracted the virus can spread the disease through breathing, sneezing, and coughing. 'This case of measles highlights the importance of obtaining the MMR vaccine to protect ourselves and our community. The MMR vaccine is highly effective at preventing measles infection and also protects against mumps and rubella,' said Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Commissioner of Public Health for the City of Boston. 'Children should receive the vaccine at 12-15 months of age and again before kindergarten to ensure strong immunity. Children who are at least 6 months old who are traveling internationally should receive an early dose of vaccine before traveling. It is never too late for children or adults to get the measles vaccine and for the vaccine to be effective, even if they are past the age recommended by doctors.' The DPH is working to help identify those who may have been exposed to the virus. Those who were exposed should contact their health care provider immediately and monitor for symptoms for at least 21 days, and avoid public places. According to the DPH, the measles vaccination is 93%-97% effective in preventing measles and protecting against severe disease. In Suffolk County, 94% of children have been fully vaccinated against measles, according to DPH data. Vaccinated individuals are at low risk of contracting measles. Health officials urge people who do not know their immunization status to get vaccinated with at least one dose of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. For more information on measles, visit This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
