During a solar eclipse event at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis on April 8, a potential exposure to measles was discovered by health officials, according to the Marion County Public Health Department. The individual who may have spread measles is not a resident of Indiana but visited the state while infected.
Symptoms of measles, such as fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, tiny white spots in the mouth, and a rash starting on the face and spreading to the trunk, arms, and legs, could appear before April 22. However, symptoms may also show up as late as April 29. Measles is transmitted through sneezing or coughing with droplets remaining infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours.
If someone experiences symptoms of measles, they should remain at home and contact their healthcare provider immediately. This could include urgent care or another medical clinic. Calling ahead before arriving allows healthcare providers to take precautions to protect their staff and other patients from potential infection.
Children are typically vaccinated for measles at 12-15 months of age and again at 4-6 years before starting kindergarten. However, children as young as six months old may receive the measles vaccine if they are at risk. It is important for parents to discuss vaccination options with their child’s healthcare provider to ensure that their child is protected against this potentially serious disease.
