SAUGUS — Public Health Nurse Teresa Riley-Singh gave her public nurse’s report at Monday night’s Board of Health meeting, focusing on the importance of the measles vaccine right now.
“I want to just mention measles. As of last month, we’ve had two confirmed cases in Massachusetts,” she said.
The cases were unrelated, but Riley-Singh noted that these were the first cases to pop up in the state since 2024.
In 2025, the U.S. had 2,280 cases. This is the highest number since 1992. Over 90% of those who were (infected) came from unvaccinated individuals,” she said.
Out of the 2,280 cases, five people died, and 27 were hospitalized with serious symptoms.
“I mention this because some people might say, ‘Well, two cases are not a lot.’ However, measles is the most contagious disease that we have out there,” Riley-Singh said.
She explained that if an individual had entered the library’s Common Room hours ago, those at the meeting that night could still be infected.
“And if you’re unvaccinated, you would most likely become contaminated with it,” she said.
A recent study from the Yale School of Public Health estimated that the measles outbreak in 2025 cost the U.S. $244 million. It’s estimated that if the cases continue to rise, by 2030, cases could reach over 17,000, with over 4,000 hospitalizations and 36 deaths, with an annual cost of around $1.5 billion.
“It’s something to take seriously. If you haven’t gotten vaccinated with the MMR, please do… It is a requirement for kindergarteners to have the MMR. It’s still at 10 to 12 months or 4 to 5 years old. Even though it’s a requirement, public schools cannot turn away students if they’re not vaccinated with MMR,” she said.
Riley-Singh noted that one of the schools in Saugus has the lowest rate of vaccinated students.
“I’ve been in contact with that school. We’re going to encourage vaccination during kindergarten orientation this year for next year. But it’s really up to the parent to protect their children and to protect the public health,” she said.
Riley-Singh stated that, throughout the recent changes in vaccination schedules that MMR vaccine has not changed.
