Texas Traveler Potentially Exposes Massachusetts to Measles Virus

A traveler from Texas may have exposed numerous individuals to the measles virus while visiting Massachusetts earlier this month. State health officials reported that the individual, who was confirmed to have measles, arrived at Boston Logan International Airport on American Airlines Flight 2384 from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport on December 11, 2025. The flight landed at 14:39 EST.

During the visit, the traveler stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston-Westborough in Westborough and departed the next evening on JetBlue Flight 117 to Las Vegas at 21:19 EST. Although no measles cases have been reported in Massachusetts this year, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) issued a warning to alert those who might have come into contact with the individual about the potential risk of exposure.

Health officials have identified specific times and locations where individuals may have been exposed to the airborne virus. These include Logan Airport Terminal B in Boston between 14:30 and 16:45 on December 11, and at the Hilton from 15:30 to 21:00 the same day. Additional exposure may have occurred at Logan Airport Terminal C on December 12, from 18:00 to 23:30.

The MDPH is collaborating with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to reach out to those who might have been affected. However, officials did not disclose how they determined the individual was infected with the measles virus.

Dr. Robbie Goldstein, the Public Health Commissioner, emphasized the serious nature of the situation. “Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease, which has increased significantly in the United States due to a decrease in vaccination rates,” he stated. He underscored the importance of vaccination in protecting communities, noting that 2025 has seen the highest number of measles cases nationwide in over a decade, with nearly 2,000 cases documented in 44 jurisdictions, leading to three fatalities.

Dr. Goldstein reflected on the progress made against measles in the United States, where it was considered eliminated 15 years ago, but warned that this progress is now at risk. He described vaccines as “one of the most important public health interventions ever—safe, effective, and lifesaving.”

The measles virus poses significant risks, particularly to young children and the elderly. According to the CDC, approximately 93% of those diagnosed with measles in 2025 were unvaccinated or had an unknown vaccination status, while an additional 3% had received only one dose of the vaccine. Health officials recommend that those unsure of their vaccination status receive at least one dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Receiving two doses of this vaccine is reported to be 97% effective in preventing these diseases.

As this situation unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the critical role that vaccination plays in public health, particularly in preventing the spread of highly contagious diseases like measles.