According to the state Department of Public Health, a high school student visiting Massachusetts from Western Europe has been diagnosed with measles. It is the first reported case of 2015. On Tuesday, the Hinton State Laboratory confirmed the illness.

In Massachusetts, there are very high vaccination rates due to which health officials consider the disease unlikely to spread.

But as the measles virus is airborne and highly infectious, and can linger in the air for up to two hours, health authorities have been investigating the immunization status of all those known to have had contact with the student when he was infectious.

In addition, officials have provided a list of public places where the student went while infectious. They have urged all those who were there to check their immunization status and learn the symptoms of measles, including fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes in the beginning with the occurrence of a rash two to four days later.

They have told people that if they experience measles symptoms, they should telephone their health care provider before going to a medical facility.

The state has also provided a list of 'possible public measles exposure sites', along with the agency to call for questions.

Health officials said that the student staying in Essex County was recovering. They refused to provide further information.

In a statement, Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel, said, "Over 95% of students in Massachusetts have already been vaccinated against measles, making a widespread outbreak unlikely. Fortunately, the measles vaccine (called MMR) is safe and highly effective".

Measles' early symptoms occur 10 days to two weeks after exposure and may resemble a cold or flu. The rash generally appears firstly on the head and then moves downward. Normally, it lasts a few days.