Public Health Updates as of 3/11/2026

To keep the community updated on public health developments, the Cambridge Public Health Department will provide regular updates on its website and in this dedicated space in the city’s daily email. Look for a recap of important public health information every other week.

In the News: Reminders of the Importance of Staying Current on Vaccines

Vaccines are one of the most effective tools for preventing illness. Recent developments related to three specific diseases underscore the importance of staying up-to-date on recommended vaccines for both children and adults. 

• Eighth Child Dies of Flu in Massachusetts: The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) has reported the eighth death of a child from flu this season, bringing the total number of flu-related deaths in the state to over 300. This season’s flu activity is subsiding, but residents should understand that flu can have serious consequences. It’s important to be vaccinated against the flu every year to prevent serious illness, ideally in the fall ahead of flu season. Visit the state health department’s Respiratory Illness Dashboard for more information.
  
• Measles Cases Reported in Two Massachusetts Residents: MDPH reported that two Massachusetts residents were diagnosed with measles. An unvaccinated child was exposed and diagnosed out of state and remained out of state while infectious. An adult individual (vaccine status uncertain) had traveled internationally; state and local officials identified and notified those who were potentially exposed in locations this individual visited. While there has been no further spread of measles in Massachusetts, there have been many outbreaks across the country, and measles is extremely contagious. Residents are urged to check their measles vaccine status. Learn more about vaccine recommendations. 
  
• CDC Travel Advisory on Global Polio: The CDC has issued a level 2 Travel Health Notice advising travelers to ensure that their polio vaccinations are up-to-date before international travel. More than thirty countries in parts of Africa, Europe, and the Middle East now have circulating poliovirus. Polio is a crippling and potentially deadly disease that affects the nervous system. The best way to protect yourself is to get vaccinated. Learn which countries are impacted on the CDC website.