Marion County Health Department warns of possible measles exposure at Children's Museum on Eclipse day

MCHD said individuals who attended the solar eclipse event on April 8 might have been exposed to a person with measles who traveled from out of state to attend the event.

As of this article's publication, no measles cases have been confirmed in Marion County.

MCHD added that anyone who may have been exposed would likely experience symptoms before April 22, before adding that some individuals could see symptoms as late as April 29.

Common symptoms of measles include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red eyes
• Tiny white spots inside the mouth
• Rash that starts on the hairline and face and spreads to trunk, arms, and legs

Although there was only one individual who tested positive for measles, MCHD said that is still considered an outbreak due to the high transmission levels of the virus. The risk to the general public is low, according to MCHD.

Anyone who suspects they may be developing measles symptoms is encouraged to stay at home and seek medical attention. MCHD urged people to call the urgent care, hospital emergency room or any other medical clinic they plan to attend before arriving to ensure staff have sufficient time to prepare and prevent more infections from spreading.

Children typically receive measles vaccines between 12 and 15 months, and again between 4 and 6 years of age, MCHD said.

To learn more about scheduling an appointment for a measles vaccine or any other appointment for vaccine-preventable diseases, click here. Residents can also call 317-221-2122.