INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana State Department of Health announced the state's first confirmed case of measles in northern Indiana on Friday.
Health care providers in LaGrange and Steuben counties are working with ISDH to identify anyone who may have been exposed to the patient to prevent further transmission of the disease.
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus. It is rare in the U.S. due to the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. During travel, however, visitors from other countries or U.S. citizens who travel abroad can become infected.
More than 93 percent of people who receive a single dose of MMR will develop immunity to the disease, and more the 97 percent is protected after a second dose.
During the investigation, officials found that while the patient was infectious, the patient was in Michigan and Texas. Individuals who have visited these locations, during the following dates and times, may have been exposed:
- Chuy's Restaurant - Friday, March 29 1512 Harvey Road, College Station, TX 77840
- Cameron Memorial Community Hospital Urgent Care - Saturday, March 30 (3:45 p.m. - 6:35 p.m.) 1381 N. Wayne St., Angola, IN 46703
- Cameron Memorial Community Hospital Laboratory - Saturday, March 30 (5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.) 1381 N. Wayne St., Angola, IN 46703
- Holy Angels Catholic Church – Sunday, March 31402 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, MI 49091
- San Miguel Grocery – Sunday, March 31 211 Jacob St., Sturgis, MI 49091
- Walmart Supercenter – Sunday, March 31 1500 S. Centerville Road, Sturgis, MI 49091
Anyone who may have been exposed at those locations should watch for symptoms until April 21.
In a little over three months, from Jan. 1 to March 28, 387 cases of measles have been confirmed in 15 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
If you are experiencing the symptoms of measles, stay home and call your healthcare provider right away before going to the doctor’s office. 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, stay home and away from others - especially unvaccinated infants - people with diseases affecting their immune systems and pregnant women.
