Suspected Measles Case at Bose Corporation is Positive

The Centers for Disease Control has confirmed that the suspected case of measles at Bose Corporation, 9 Technology Drive, is positive.

"The test has come back with a positive result from the CDC," noted Director of Public Health for the Town of Westborough, Paul McNulty.

"Effective today if a Bose employee cannot provide proof of the vaccine, they must immediately get vaccinated or be excluded from work," McNulty said. "The clinic to receive the MMR vaccine began at 8 a.m. this morning (at the Bose Corporation)with 300 doses of the MMR."

An employee of Bose Corporation first started showing signs of the disease on June 1. Acccording to McNulty, when a doctor suspects a case of measles, it is reported to the state, which is what happened in this case.

McNulty does not recommend that the general public need to get re-vaccinated, but he did note that a booster is never a bad idea if you are older.

"If you have been immunized already or if you are over 57, you are considered to be immune," McNulty explained. " It is a good idea to get a booster if you are older, but it is not required."

McNulty explained that we are seeing a resurgence in measles as several people fell prey to fear of the links between autism and the MMR vaccine.

"While speaking with the CDC," McNulty said, "They explained that people come from Europe infected and then the disease is spread here."

Many in Europe were not immunized due to a widespread study done by Doctor Andrew Wakefield that linked the MMR vaccine and autism.

" The doctor from Europe, Andrew Wakefield, has been totally debunked," McNulty said.

The real problem with the spread of measles, is it is highly contagious.

"You can be in a grocery store with someone, and they cough and two hours later you can walk down the aisle and catch the measles," McNulty said. "Obviously, worse case is to be in the same room with someone, but it is a highly contagious disease."

The signs and symptoms of measles include a rash, cough, runny nose, cough and fever. In it's later stages it can lead to pneumonia, seizures, brain damage and death.

The incubation period for the measles is about 25 days.

"The infectious period will end at Bose on June 26," McNulty said.

If you are ill, pregnant, allergic to gelatin or have ever had a reaction to a previous dose of MMR, you should wait to get vaccinated.

Normally, children receive the MMR between 12 and 15 months and a second dose between the ages of 4 and 6.

"We are lucky in this country that most do get vaccinated," McNulty said. "I absolutely recommend that children get immunized," McNulty said. "No vaccine illicits a good response in 100 percent of the population. Over time, the immunization wanes and may get weaker. It is not a bad idea to get a booster, but check with your doctor."