Massachusetts Reports Two Measles Cases

State officials warn of potential for additional infections amid national outbreak

Feb. 27, 2026 at 4:49pm

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The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has confirmed two cases of measles in the state, with one case involving a school-aged resident exposed out of state and the other a Greater Boston adult with an uncertain vaccination history who recently traveled internationally. While there is no evidence of measles spreading within Massachusetts at this time, officials warn that additional cases could occur.

Why it matters

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus that can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications in about 30% of cases. The new cases in Massachusetts come amid a larger national and international measles outbreak, underscoring the need for vigilance and high vaccination rates to prevent the spread of the disease.

The details

The first case involves a school-aged Massachusetts resident who was exposed and diagnosed out of state, while the second case is a Greater Boston adult with an uncertain vaccination history who recently traveled internationally. During their infectious periods, both individuals visited locations where exposures to others likely occurred, prompting state and local public health officials to work with those sites to identify and notify potentially exposed individuals.

  • The first measles case was diagnosed in a school-aged Massachusetts resident who was exposed and diagnosed out of state.
  • The second case was diagnosed in a Greater Boston adult who recently traveled internationally.

The players

Massachusetts Department of Public Health

The state agency responsible for monitoring and responding to public health issues, including the two confirmed measles cases.

Dr. Robbie Goldstein

The Public Health Commissioner of Massachusetts, who warned that measles is a highly contagious and potentially life-threatening illness.

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What they’re saying

“Although there is no evidence of the spread of measles within Massachusetts at this time, additional cases could occur.”

— Massachusetts Department of Public Health (cbsnews.com)

“Measles is the most contagious respiratory virus and can cause life-threatening illness. 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.”

— Dr. Robbie Goldstein, Public Health Commissioner (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

State and local public health officials are working with locations visited by the infected individuals during their infectious periods to identify and notify those who were potentially exposed.

The takeaway

The new measles cases in Massachusetts underscore the importance of high vaccination rates and vigilance from health officials to prevent the spread of this highly contagious and potentially serious illness, especially amid larger outbreaks at the national and international levels.