Boston U. Spots Problem and Bans Fans

A measles outbreak at Boston University forced school officials Tuesday to ban spectators from upcoming sporting events, including a cross-city basketball game with rival Northeastern.

“Because of the measles epidemic that hit the university, no spectators will be allowed to attend,” the school announced. “University officials made that decision in accord with federal, state and local officials as they are attempting to stem the tide of the outbreak of measles.”

School officials said the epidemic has hit more than three dozen students. They added about 7,000 students--about 20% of the campus--were susceptible because they had never had the illness or had received inoculations considered ineffective prior to 1969.

The school said the spectator ban would be enforced at a hockey game tonight against Lowell University and the Northeastern basketball game Thursday.

No other games are planned before the school’s spring break begins Friday.

“It’s going to be almost eerie to play the games with no crowd over there,” said Athletic Director Rick Taylor.

“They’re both big rivalries,” he said. “They’re league games. I think the immediate sense is the athletes are disappointed.”

Taylor added Northeastern officials were considering canceling the game because of the spectator ban.

Aside from the athletes, administrators, support people and game officials allowed to attend the games, news reporters and photographers over 27 years of age will also be admitted, the school said.