Potential Measles Exposure during Solar Eclipse Event at Children’s Museum of Indianapolis: What You Need to Know

Health officials have reported that individuals who attended the solar eclipse event at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis may have been exposed to measles. The Marion County Public Health Department stated that someone who was not from Indiana but had traveled to the state while infected potentially exposed others to the virus. Symptoms of measles, which include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, tiny white spots inside the mouth, and a rash that starts on the hairline and face before spreading to the trunk, arms, and legs, could develop in those susceptible to the virus by April 22.

Measles is highly contagious and can be spread when an infected person sneezes or coughs, releasing droplets that remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours. Those experiencing symptoms of measles are advised to stay home and contact their healthcare provider immediately, whether it be an urgent care facility, hospital emergency room or another medical clinic. Calling ahead before visiting a healthcare provider allows for necessary precautions to be taken to protect staff and other patients from potential infection. While children are typically vaccinated for measles at 12-15 months and again at 4-6 years old before starting kindergarten, those as young as 6 months old can receive the measles vaccine if deemed at risk.