Indianapolis measles exposure: What you need to know

On Wednesday night, the Marion County Public Health Department issued a warning that two Indianapolis locations may have seen a case of the measles.

Officials said an infected, out-of-state visitor traveled to both Microtel Inn & Suites at 5815 Rockville Road on the west side and Shapiro's Delicatessen at 808 S. Meridian St. in Downtown Indianapolis on March 18.

Local health officials say that they're not bracing for an outbreak here but wanted to let people know about the potential exposure so they would be on guard for additional cases.

"I think it’s just a possibility. … We’re just being extra cautious because measles is so contagious," said Melissa McMasters, coordinator of the immunization and infectious disease program for the Marion County Public Health Department. "I don’t expect to see more cases in our community, knock on wood."

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This will not count as a case in Indiana. The person who has the measles lives and was diagnosed in another state, but because that person was here during the infectious period, health officials issued a warning.

There have been no confirmed local cases, because symptoms of measles generally appear seven to 14 days after a person is infected. Health officials said anyone who contracted the illness may be experiencing symptoms now.

Here's what you need to know if you fear you may have been exposed.

When was the infected person in Indianapolis?

According to a news release, the visitor was at Microtel Inn & Suites between the hours of midnight and 2 p.m. on March 18.

The visitor was at Shapiro's between the hours of noon and 2:15 p.m. that day.

That means anyone infected March 18 would show symptoms between March 25 and April 8, officials said. Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny eyes, and runny nose followed by the signature rash, McMasters said.

Because the rash is often not the first sign, people who have early symptoms could infect others before realizing that they have the measles, she added. 

I was there at those times. What should I do now?

The Marion County Public Health Department urges anyone who may have been exposed and is starting to develop symptoms to contact their health-care provider immediately.

Patients should also tell the provider about the measles exposure before the visit, so that doctors can make special arrangements to evaluate you, if needed, without putting other patients and medical office staff at risk.

"We don’t want them to just show up in an ER and expose everyone," McMasters said.

Once in care, your doctor can determine if you are immune to measles based on your vaccination record, age or laboratory evidence, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

My doctor told me I have measles. Now what?

The CDC says that measles patients should stay home for four days after developing the rash. Talk to your doctor to discuss when it is safe to return to your regular schedule.

Patients should make not spreading the disease a top priority. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and put your used tissue in the trash can.

If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands.

Wash your hands often with soap and water, and avoid sharing drinks or eating utensils.

Disinfect frequently touched surface like toys, doorknobs, tables and counters. If you experience other problems or have concerns about your symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. 

How long does the MMR vaccine last?

If done in accordance with CDC standards, the vaccination should keep you protected for life.

The CDC recommends children get two doses of MMR vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 through 15 months of age, and the second dose at 4 through 6 years of age. Teens and adults should also update their MMR vaccination if they are unsure of their status.

Two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97 percent effective at preventing measles, and one dose is about 93 percent effective, according to the CDC.

It is still possible to get sick even if you are vaccinated, but officials say that cases among fully vaccinated people are rare, and when it does happen, those people are more likely to have a milder illness.

In addition to measles, MMR vaccine protects against mumps and rubella. 

Do I ever need a booster?

According to the CDC, no. The agency considers individuals who received two doses of measles vaccine as children according to the U.S. vaccination schedule to be protected for life, and they do not ever need a booster dose.

Unless they have evidence of immunity, adults need at least one dose of measles vaccine. Adults who are going to be in a setting that poses a high risk for measles transmission should make sure they have had two doses separated by at least 28 days.

The CDC said these adults usually include students at post-high school education institutions, health-care personnel and international travelers.

I don't think I'm vaccinated at all. Is it too late?

No. The CDC says that if you're unsure about your vaccination or immunity status, there is no harm in getting another dose of MMR vaccine if you may already be immune to measles.

However, if you get vaccinated after an exposure, even soon after, the vaccine will not necessarily protect against measles, McMasters said. That's why it's best not to wait and get vaccinated before you have been exposed to the virus.

IndyStar staff reporter Shari Rudavsky contributed to this story. 

Call IndyStar reporter Justin L. Mack at 317-444-6138. Follow him on Twitter: @justinlmack