Health Officials Warn of Possible Measles Exposure in Independence

Health officials are warning of a possible measles exposure in Independence.

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services says an Illinois resident with a confirmed case of measles visited Iowa while still infectious. 

The Department says you may have been exposed to measles if you visited Comfort Inn and Suites in Independence from Wednesday, March 4th at 5:30 pm through Thursday, March 5th at 9 am. 

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that is spread through the air when an infectious person coughs, sneezes or breathes. It can stay in the air for up to two hours after a person with measles leaves the room.

There were nine measles cases identified in the state last year, but there have not been any cases of measles identified in Iowa residents this year. Iowa HHS says there have been nearly 13-hundred measles cases reported in the United States since March 5th. Ninety-three percent of the cases involved people who were NOT vaccinated.

Anyone who visited Comfort Inn and Suites in Independence during the timeframe mentioned should closely monitor for symptoms of measles – such as fever, cough, red/watery eyes, runny nose and a rash. Anyone born in 1957 or after who visited that hotel and is unvaccinated or unsure of their immune status is at higher risk. If you think you have been exposed to measles and have symptoms, call your medical provider or nearest emergency room ahead of time and tell them you have been exposed to measles before arriving.