INDIANAPOLIS — The Marion County Public Health Department is alerting parents about a possible measles exposure at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis.
The department said a person who was infectious with measles traveled to the museum from out of state for the solar eclipse event on April 8.
According to the department, anyone susceptible to measles who was exposed to the virus would likely notice symptoms before April 22, though symptoms could appear as late as April 29. Symptoms would include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, tiny white spots inside the mouth and a rash that starts at the hairline and face and spreads to the person's trunk, arms and legs.
The health department said measles is spread when an infected person sneezes or coughs, spraying droplets into the air. Those droplets can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for as long as two hours.
Pediatrician Dr. Eric Yancy said it can be serious if you're not vaccinated, especially for young children.
"Measles is extremely serious and can result in certain complications, such as meningitis and pneumonia and dehydration and, in extreme situations, death," Yancy said.
He said the the measles are more than just a few bumps.
"If you're in a room with someone who has active measles, you have about a 90% chance of getting it if you're not immunized. It's extremely contagious," Yancy said.
Yancy said he hasn't seen a case of the measles since he was a resident in the 1970s.
"When we see a vaccine-preventative illness reoccurring, it's always disappointing because that means someone may have bought into 'immunizations are not good or effective or desired.' Immunizations are the best approach to many preventative diseases," Yancy said.
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis issued the following statement Friday evening:
"We take the health and safety of our visitors, staff, volunteers, and community very seriously and are following the lead of the local health departments. We are doing our best to communicate this information with as many individuals as possible who were here on that day, and urge anyone with questions or concerns to reach out to their local health department or a medical professional."
If you experience symptoms of measles, experts recommend staying at home and contacting a health care provider — urgent care, an emergency room or other type of medical clinic — immediately.
"Calling ahead before arriving allows that provider to take steps to protect the health of its staff and other patients from possible infection," the health department wrote in a release.
There have been no confirmed cases of measles reported in Marion County this year, the health department noted, adding that the risk to the general public remains low.
Children are generally vaccinated for measles at 12-15 months, then again when they are between 4 and 6 years old. Children who are at risk for measles can be vaccinated as young as 6 months old.