An adult resident from Worcester County who recently traveled internationally has been diagnosed with measles, the first confirmed case in a Massachusetts resident since 2020, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported.

“Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease, which has increased worldwide, including here in the United States and in neighboring states in New England,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein. “Cases of measles have been reported in 30 states since the beginning of last year, mostly in people and communities who are unvaccinated. Vaccination is the best way to protect against measles.”

The infected resident was diagnosed in early July, DPH said, and people who may have been exposed have already been contacted and “provided appropriate public health recommendations.”

As of July 11, there have been 167 measles cases in the U.S. in 2024, according to CDC data. Of the cases, 84% were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccine state, 11% had one dose of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella vaccine and 5% were fully vaccinated.

Children under 5 years old make up nearly half of the 2024 reported U.S. cases, 46%, according to CDC data. In about half the cases, infected people had to be hospitalized.

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Health officials warn of potential measles exposure from ‘international traveler’ in Boston

DPH warned that “large measles outbreaks are occurring in Europe and elsewhere internationally” and many cases in the U.S. are tied to recent travel abroad. DPH warned of a potential exposure in Massachusetts in June, after an international traveler headed to Amsterdam took a bus in from New Hampshire to the Boston airport while infected.

Anyone uncertain of their measles immunization status is urged to contact their doctor about getting vaccinated, DPH recommended.

Health care providers who suspect measles should call DPH at 617-983-6800 immediately for recommendations and testing guidance or locally call the Boston Public Health Commission at 617-534-5611.