Measles Exposure Confirmed at Atkinson Pool

A suspected measles case that took place in February at an Atkinson Pool swim meet has now been confirmed. As a result, anyone who was in attendance at the event is asked to be on the lookout for symptoms.

Superintendent of Schools Anne Wilson provided a letter from the Sudbury Board of Health to all parents in the district on Wednesday night about the confirmed test.

According to the letter, a suspected case of measles was confirmed Wednesday by the Hinton State Laboratory. The exposure took place on February 9 during the municipal swim meet held at Atkinson Pool.

"Fortunately, because of the time that has elapsed since the February 9 swim meet, it is expected that if new cases of measles were going to occur in the community, they would already have happened," the Board of Health letter said. "In other words, if you attended the event and have not developed measles, the chances are very good that you will not from this exposure."

The Board of Health reported that measles is very contagious, and early symptoms resemble a cold. However, a rash then often develops two to four days after the initial symptoms, often starting on the head and moving downward.

Anyone with questions about measles is asked to contact the Sudbury Board of Health or the Massachusetts Department of Public Health at (617) 983-6800.