Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Wednesday, February 15, 2012
(INDIANAPOLIS) - Thirteen cases of measles have been confirmed in central Indiana, health officials said Tuesday.
The outbreak has affected adults and children in Boone and Hamilton counties, including a student at Noblesville Intermediate School.
Health officials said all of the cases appear to be connected and released a list of places individuals may have been exposed to the highly contagious virus:
* Delphi Electronics & Safety, Kokomo - Feb. 1-Feb. 9
* Hartley Funeral Home, Cicero - Jan. 25 and Jan. 26
* Kroger on West Logan Street, Noblesville - Feb. 10
* Walmart on Clover Road, Noblesville - Feb. 10
*College Park Church, Indianapolis - Jan. 1, Jan. 15 and ongoing
* Indianapolis Grace Ethiopian Church/Westlake Community Church, Indianapolis - Jan. 8
* Noblesville Intermediate School - Feb. 9
* White River Elementary School - Feb. 13
* Ivy Tech Community College, Anderson Campus - Jan. 26, Jan. 31 and Feb. 2
A number of health care clinics in Zionsville, Fishers and Noblesville were also included on the list with multiple dates in January and February, including Saint Vincent Primary Care clinics, Indiana University Primary Care clinics and a Community Hospital Immediate Care Center
At least two of those who have fallen ill also visited Super Bowl Village together in downtown Indianapolis two days before the game.
From about 3-10 p.m., the individuals visited Rock Bottom Brewery, the Starbucks on Monument Circle, the Colts Pro Shop in Lucas Oil Stadium and The Huddle, as well as walking around the Super Bowl Village area.
Officials said both individuals had recently traveled overseas together and were not vaccinated.
More than 200,000 people visited the venue that day, but health officials said there have been no confirmed measles cases from that exposure.
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus that begins with a fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes seven to 10 days after exposure. The fever increases and a rash starts on the face and upper neck two to four days later, eventually spreading across the body.
Droplets from a sneeze or cough spray into the air and can remain active and contagious for up to two hours.
Health officials said measles is rare in the United States because of high levels of vaccination with the measles, mumps and rubella, or MMR, vaccine.
Children are routinely vaccinated for measles at 1 year old and again before entering kindergarten. Those born before 1957 are presumed to be immune to measles.
Measles poses a serious threat to unvaccinated infants, people with diseases affecting their immune systems and pregnant women.
Those experiencing the symptoms of measles are asked to stay home and consult a doctor.
Noblesville school officials said all staff members at Noblesville Intermediate School will have to show proof of immunization beginning Wednesday.
The Indiana State Department of Health has established a hotline to help answer questions from the general public. The hotline service will be available beginning Wednesday from 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. at 877-826-0011.
1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com
© Ad-Venture Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.