Orthopaedic surgeon joins BMC medical staff

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Dr. James I. Harding
Berkshire Medical Center announces the appointment of James I. Harding, M.D. to the BMC medical staff. Dr. Harding, an orthopaedic surgeon, is a practicing physician with Berkshire Orthopaedic Associates, joining a team that includes Herbert Bote, M.D., Jeffrey Cella, M.D., Laurence Cohen, M.D., Anthony Defelice, D.O., John Lyons, M.D., Kevin Mitts, M.D. and Manuel Yvars, M.D. Dr. Harding received his Medical Degree from the University of Massachusetts Medical School, where he was one of the student leaders of the Epworth Church Free Clinic and helped to start the Green Island Free Clinic, both of which provided free medical care to the Worcester area. He also completed his residency training in orthopaedic surgery at UMass, as well as his internship in general surgery. Dr. Harding is a Major in the United States Army Reserves Medical Corps, in which he has served since 1999. He has an undergraduate degree from the University of California at Berkeley. For an appointment with Dr. Harding or one of his colleagues, ask your doctor for a referral or call Berkshire Orthopaedic Associates at 499-6600.
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Possible Measles Exposure at Boston, Logan

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed Wednesday that an out-of-state adult visitor who spent time in Boston and Westborough earlier this month was diagnosed with measles and was present in a number of locations.
 
This could have resulted in other people being exposed to measles virus.
 
The visitor arrived at Logan International Airport on American Airlines flight 2384 from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, on Dec. 11 at 2:39 p.m. They stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston-Westborough in Westborough and departed the state on Dec. 12 via Logan at 9:19 p.m. on JetBlue flight 117 to Las Vegas.
 
DPH is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local partners to identify and notify those who may have been exposed to measles from this individual.
 
"Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease, which has increased significantly in the United States because of the unfortunate decrease in vaccination rates. It is also a preventable disease," said Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein. "This current situation serves as an important reminder of the critical role vaccination plays in protecting our communities. While Massachusetts has not had a measles case this year, 2025 saw the highest number of nationwide cases in more than a decade — nearly 2,000 in 44 jurisdictions, and sadly, three deaths. 
 
"Fifteen years ago, measles had been considered eliminated in the United States, but that tremendous progress is at risk. Vaccines are one of the most important public health interventions ever — they are safe, effective, and lifesaving."
 
Measles is very contagious. However, the risk to most people in Massachusetts is low because the vaccination rate in the state is high. People who are not immune and visited any of the locations on the following dates and times may be at risk for developing measles.
 
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