Measles Case Confirmed in Dartmouth

DARTMOUTH — The measles outbreak has hit the SouthCoast.

An official with Hawthorn Medical Associates confirms that a patient with measles had visited a Dartmouth healthcare facility over a week ago.

A letter from Hawthorn Medical Associates dated April 2, 2019, was sent to recent patients at the facility. The letter informed recipients that a person who had been at Hawthorn Medical on Tuesday, March 26, had been diagnosed with measles. The patient had visited Hawthorn Medical's location at 535 Faunce Corner Road.

The letter was sent to patients who were at the Faunce Corner Road location on March 26 between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m and urged them to share the information with anyone who was with them that day.

Patients were also instructed to review information from the Department of Public Health that was enclosed with the letter. Anyone who had questions concerning their immunity or other concerns was instructed to call 508-961-0742.

The Centers for Disease Control website says measles is a highly contagious virus that can spread through coughing and sneezing. The virus can live for up to two hours in an airspace. "Measles is so contagious that if one person has it, up to 90% of the people close to that person who are not immune will also become infected," reads the website.

Symptoms of measles can include a high fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes, and a rash.

The CDC urges anyone who believes they may have been exposed to measles to call their doctor.