For Immediate release - February 08, 2012

Measles Alert

Individuals attending the Super Bowl Village activities (a three-block outdoor festival in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana) on Friday, February 3, 2012, may have been exposed to a confirmed case of measles.

What should you do?
• If you were born in the US before 1957, it is very likely that you are immune to measles. However, to increase the likelihood you are protected against measles, mumps, and rubella, consider receiving a dose of MMR vaccine.

• If you were born in the US on or after 1957, and you do not have documentation of having two doses of MMR or measles-containing vaccine or serologic evidence of immunity, you should call your provider to receive a dose of vaccine as soon as possible.

• If you were born outside of the US (regardless of year of birth), and you do not have documentation of having two doses of MMR or measles-containing vaccine, or serologic evidence of immunity, you should call your provider to receive a dose of vaccine as soon as possible.

• A blood test showing you are protected against measles is also considered evidence of immunity. However, having had the disease in the past is not evidence of immunity.

People who are exposed to measles and who do not have evidence of immunity should watch for onset of symptoms typically 10-14 days after exposure (fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes). These initial symptoms are followed by a red, blotchy rash (see description below) approximately 14 days after exposure. Individuals with exposure at the Super Bowl Village should look for symptoms beginning approximately February 13th. If you suspect you may be at risk for measles, please contact your medical provider before going to the doctor, to avoid exposing additional individuals. You may also call the MA Department of Public Health at 617-983-6800 for more information.

If you develop symptoms of measles, please stay home and call your doctor.

What is measles?
Measles is a very contagious disease that usually lasts a week or two. It can cause serious problems like ear infections, pneumonia, swelling of the brain in some people, especially pregnant women, infants, and those with weakened immune systems. Adults are also at increased risk for severe disease and may need to be hospitalized due to complications.
What are the symptoms?
Measles looks and feels like a cold at first. A cough, high fever, runny nose, and red, watery eyes are common. These symptoms start about ten days after infection. A few days later, a red blotchy rash starts on the face first, and then spreads to the rest of the body.
How is measles spread?
The virus that causes measles lives in the nose and throat and is sprayed into the air when an infected person coughs or talks. Other people nearby can then inhale the virus. Measles is very infectious and can stay in the air for up to two hours after the contagious person has left the room. Touching tissues or sharing a cup used by someone with measles also spreads the virus. People with measles are infectious for four days prior to rash onset, until four days after onset. If someone is susceptible to measles, they usually show symptoms 10-14 days after exposure.
How is measles spread?
The virus that causes measles lives in the nose and throat and is sprayed into the air when an infected person coughs or talks. Other people nearby can then inhale the virus. Measles is very infectious and can stay in the air for up to two hours after the contagious person has left the room. Touching tissues or sharing a cup used by someone with measles also spreads the virus. People with measles are infectious for four days prior to rash onset, until four days after onset. If someone is susceptible to measles, they usually show symptoms 10-14 days after exposure.
Can measles be prevented?
Yes, there is a vaccine to prevent measles. (It protects against measles, mumps, and rubella and is called the MMR). The vaccine is normally given to young children, but adolescents and adults who are not immune should also be vaccinated. Adults born in or after 1957 and children >12 months of age should have documentation of two doses of MMR or serologic proof of immunity to measles.
What should pregnant women, those with weakened immune systems, or those with an infant do?
If you are pregnant (or think that you might be), if you have a weakened immune system, or if you have an infant under one year of age, it is very important that you contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
What should people who work in high risk settings do?
If you are a clinician or work in a healthcare facility, daycare, or any other high risk setting, please contact the Massachusetts Department of Public Health immediately for further guidance (617-983-6800).

For more information, please call your primary care physician and the Division of Epidemiology and Immunization of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (617-983-6800).

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