State health officials have reported a total of 13 confirmed cases of measles in Central Indiana, involving both children and adults. All confirmed cases are residents of Boone and Hamilton counties in Indiana.

The Indiana State Department of Health continues to work with local health departments, health care providers, and all impacted organizations to identify additional cases of measles and to prevent further transmission of the disease.

All individuals who think they may have been exposed are encouraged to check their immunization status with their health care provider.

The State Health Department says individuals may have been exposed to measles at the following places and dates:

• Delphi Electronics & Safety, Kokomo (Possible exposure ranges from Feb. 1 through Feb. 9)
• Hartley Funeral Home, Cicero (Jan. 25 and Jan. 26)
• Kroger, W. Logan St., Noblesville (Feb. 10)
• Wal-mart, Clover Rd., Noblesville (Feb. 10)
• College Park Church, Indianapolis (Jan. 1, Jan. 15, ongoing)
• Indianapolis Grace Ethiopian Church/Westlake Community Church, Indianapolis (Jan. 8)
• Noblesville Intermediate School (Feb. 9) and White River Elementary School (Feb. 13)
• Ivy Tech Community College, Anderson Campus  (Jan. 26, Jan. 31, and Feb. 2)
• A number of health care clinics in Zionsville, Fishers, and Noblesville, (multiple dates in Jan. and Feb.) including:
• Saint Vincent Primary Care clinics
• IU Primary Care clinics, and
• A Community Hospital Immediate Care Center

• Super Bowl Village, Indianapolis (Feb. 3)
  • The State Health Department has confirmed measles in a second individual who traveled to Super Bowl Village on Feb. 3, from approximately 3-10 p.m. Both confirmed cases were together at all times and therefore the risk of exposure has not increased from initial reports.
  • As previously reported by health officials, individuals visited the following locations while in downtown Indianapolis: Rock Bottom, Starbucks on the Circle, Colts Pro Shop in Lucas Oil Stadium, and the Huddle, as well as walked around the Super Bowl Village area. Marion County Public Health Department officials have followed up each of these venues.
  • No additional cases of measles have been reported as a result of this exposure. The Indiana State Department of Health has notified state health departments in New York and Massachusetts of the potential exposure.

The Indiana State Department of Health has established a hotline to help answer questions from the general public. The hotline service will be available beginning tomorrow, February 15, 2012.

• The hotline number is 1-877-826-0011 (TTY/TTD 1-888-561-0044).
• State Health Department staff will be on-hand during the hours of 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Monday through Friday to answer questions.
• Note: Immunization status cannot be verified through this hotline. Individuals unsure of vaccination status are encouraged to contact your health care provider, as they have access to the Indiana Immunization Registry.

About measles

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus. It is rare in the United States due to high levels of vaccination with the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine; however, unvaccinated visitors from other countries can transmit measles to unvaccinated people in the U.S., or unvaccinated U.S. citizens traveling abroad can become infected during travel.

More than 95 percent of people who receive a single dose of MMR will develop immunity to measles, and more than 99 percent will be protected after receiving a second dose. Two doses of the vaccine are needed to be fully protected. Individuals are encouraged to check with their health care providers to ensure vaccinations are up-to-date.

Children are routinely vaccinated for measles at 1 year of age, and again at 4-6 years of age before going to kindergarten, but children as young as 6 months old can receive the measles vaccine if they are at risk. Individuals born before 1957 are presumed to be immune to measles. If you are unsure about your vaccination history, check with your health care provider, as they have access to vaccination records for many Hoosiers through the Indiana Immunization Registry known as CHIRP.

Symptoms

Measles begins with a fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes about 7-10 days after exposure.  The fever increases and can get as high as 105 degrees.  Two to four days later, a rash starts on the face and upper neck.  It spreads down the back and trunk, and then extends to the arms and hands, as well as the legs and feet.  After about five days, the rash fades the same order in which it appeared.

Measles is highly contagious. When infected persons sneeze or cough, droplets spray into the air and are inhaled by others.  Those droplets remain active and contagious in the air and on infected surfaces for up to two hours.  Measles can also be transmitted when moist secretions from the nose or mouth of an infected person come in contact with the mouth, nose or eyes of another person.

What you can do

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent transmission.

If you are experiencing the symptoms of measles, stay home and call your doctor. Be prepared to describe your symptoms and alert your doctor if you think you have been in contact with an infected person.  If you are ill with measles, remain home and away from others, especially unvaccinated infants, people with diseases affecting their immune systems, and pregnant women.

For more information about measles, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at http://www.cdc.gov/measles/.

For information on how to contact your local health department, please visit the Indiana State Department of Health at http://www.state.in.us/isdh/24822.htm.