Measles: What our community should know

With measles cases being reported in Indiana, IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital and the Delaware County Health Department are encouraging residents to rely on trusted health information and take steps to protect themselves and others.

While there is not currently a measles outbreak in Delaware County, the hospital has established processes to quickly identify and respond to potential exposures. Last month, two patients with measles were evaluated in the Emergency Department, prompting immediate contact tracing and coordination with the Indiana Department of Health to identify and follow up with anyone who may have been exposed. These measures help protect our patients, visitors, team members and community.

Because measles is highly contagious, it’s important to know how it spreads, recognize the symptoms and know what to do if you or someone in your family may have been exposed.

What is measles and how does it spread?

Measles is a viral illness that spreads through direct contact with infectious respiratory droplets and through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area.

What are the symptoms of measles?

Measles typically begins with:

• Fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes

A rash generally develops several days after the initial symptoms and typically begins on the face before spreading to other parts of the body.

What should I do if I or someone I know has symptoms of measles?

If you develop symptoms of measles, particularly if you know or suspect you have been exposed, stay home and call your healthcare provider before going to a doctor's office, urgent care or hospital.

Let your healthcare provider know about your potential exposure. Calling ahead allows the care team to make appropriate arrangements and precautions before you arrive.

People who are ill with measles should stay home and away from others, particularly unvaccinated infants, people with conditions that affect their immune systems and pregnant women.

What should I expect if I need care at Ball?

The hospital has precautions in place to identify patients who may have measles and reduce the potential for exposure to others.

If you are feeling sick and need to seek medical care, please wear a face mask to help protect those around you. Masks are available at the hospital entrances.

As an additional precaution following the recent exposures, screening procedures are being implemented at all hospital entrances. During this period, access through some entrances may be limited.

Patients who may have measles can expect healthcare teams to ask about symptoms and potential exposures and take appropriate precautions to protect the patient and others in the healthcare setting.

If you are feeling sick and need to seek medical care, please wear a face mask to help protect those around you. This is especially important given the risk of measles, which is highly contagious. Masks are available at the hospital entrances.

“Our goal is to make sure people who need care can receive it safely while also protecting other patients, visitors and our team members,” says Ryan Johnston, MD, FACP, chief medical officer, IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital. “If you think you may have measles, calling ahead before coming to a healthcare facility is one of the most important things you can do.”

How can I prevent measles?

The best way to protect against measles is with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Community vaccination helps protect individuals while also reducing the opportunity for measles to spread, including to people who are too young to be vaccinated or who cannot receive certain vaccines.

Do I need a measles booster?

Most people who receive two doses of the measles vaccine are protected for life and do not need a booster shot. People born before 1957 are considered to have “presumptive evidence” of immunity, because nearly everyone born during this period got the disease during childhood. Individuals who received the inactivated measles vaccine (only licensed in the United States between 1963 and 1967) are not considered immune and should be revaccinated.

When can my child be vaccinated against measles?

During an outbreak, infants can get a dose of the MMR as early as six months of age. This dose is not considered part of the routine vaccine series and your child will still need to be given two doses of MMR after they turn 12 months of age. When a child has already received a dose of MMR after turning 12 months of age, they can receive the second dose as early as 28 days later. They will then be considered fully vaccinated.

If you don’t know the vaccination status for yourself or family members, the Centers for Disease Control has a guide to track down vaccination records.

Where can I find reliable information about measles?

With information spreading quickly through social media and other channels, community members should look to trusted public health and healthcare sources for current guidance.

For information about measles cases, exposures, vaccination and prevention, visit:

• Indiana Department of Health
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Delaware County Health Department
• Your healthcare provider

“We know people have questions, particularly when they hear about measles exposures in their community,” says Ritika Zijoo, MD, MPH, infectious disease specialist, IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital. “The best thing people can do is get information from trusted health professionals, know their vaccination status and call their healthcare provider if they have symptoms or believe they have been exposed.”

IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital and our public health partners will continue working together to share timely, accurate information and keep our community informed.