Marion County Health Department warns of possible measles exposure at Children’s Museum on Eclipse day

INDIANAPOLIS — The Marion County Public Health Department announced Friday that those who attended an eclipse event at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis earlier this month may have been exposed to measles.

The MCHD said people who attended the April 8 solar eclipse may have been exposed to a person with measles traveling from out of state to attend the event.

As of the publication of this article, no cases of measles have been confirmed in Marion County.

MCHD added that anyone who may have been exposed would likely experience symptoms before April 22, before adding that some people could experience symptoms as late as April 29.

Common symptoms of measles include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• red eyes
• Tiny white spots inside the mouth
• Rash that starts at the hairline and face and spreads to the trunk, arms, and legs

Even though only one individual tested positive for measles, the MCHD said this is still considered an outbreak due to high levels of virus transmission. The risk to the general public is low, according to the MCHD.

Anyone who suspects they may be developing symptoms of measles is encouraged to stay home and seek medical attention. The MCHD urged people to call urgent care, hospital emergency rooms or any other medical clinics they plan to go to before arriving to ensure staff have enough time to prepare and prevent the spread of other infections.

Children typically receive the measles vaccine between 12 and 15 months of age and again between 4 and 6 years of age, the MCHD said.

To learn more about making an appointment for a measles vaccine or other appointments for vaccine-preventable diseases, click here. Residents can also call 317-221-2122.