The St. Joseph County Department of Health advises that individuals who traveled to the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis on April 8th, 2024, for the solar eclipse were possibly exposed to a person with measles.

At this time, there have been no confirmed measles cases in St. Joseph County. However, those who traveled to Indianapolis for the eclipse should be aware of this possible exposure and remain vigilant to symptoms associated with measles.

The risk to the general public remains low, but the St. Joseph County Department of Health continues to
monitor the situation. Individuals exposed and not immunized remain vulnerable to contracting measles, and
due to the incubation period, they could see symptoms develop as late as April 29. If you are sick, seek prompt medical attention and avoid social gatherings.

Symptoms for measles include:

• Fever, cough, conjunctivitis (pink eye) about 11-12 days after exposure (up to 21 days)
• Tiny white spots inside the mouth (Koplik Spots) may develop (about 2-3 days after first symptoms)
• Rash that starts on the hairline and face and spreads to trunk, arms, and legs (3-5 after first symptoms)
• Other symptoms include runny nose, red eyes, sensitivity to light, fatigue, or loss of appetite

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness; about 9 out of 10 unvaccinated people who are exposed to measles will become sick, and about one in five will require hospitalization. Children under five, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to suffer from complications from measles, like pneumonia, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), complications during pregnancy, and possibly death.

Protect yourself against Measles by getting vaccinated. The St. Joseph County Department of Health offers
immunizations against Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR). You can schedule an appointment online at
www.sjcindiana.com/health.