Measles Exposure in St. Louis Area
ST. LOUIS — Last week, an individual confirmed to have measles visited the St. Louis Aquarium and a restaurant, raising concerns about potential exposure to the highly contagious virus.
The affected person, from out of state, was at the aquarium in Union Station on April 30, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. They dined at a restaurant in the St. Louis vicinity on the same day, although specific details about the restaurant outing remain unclear, according to a release from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
Anyone who was present at the aquarium during that timeframe is advised to be alert for measles symptoms, which may include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and the distinctive red rash. Symptoms can show up within one to two weeks after exposure, according to Dr. Farrin Mabian, an infectious disease expert at Mercy in Creve Coeur.
Dr. Mabian mentioned that he wasn’t overly surprised by this measles case, considering there have been 935 cases reported across the U.S. this year. Notably, a child visiting Branson was confirmed with measles on April 18, which marked Missouri’s first reported case. Soon after, a similar case was identified in southern Illinois. The hospitalization rate for this year’s outbreaks stands at 13%, with three fatalities reported.
“We’ve been noticing these signs for some time,” Dr. Mabian noted. “Measles is a respiratory infection similar to flu and COVID, but it spreads much more easily.”
It’s alarming to think that one infected individual could potentially spread the virus to 12 to 18 others who are not fully vaccinated or haven’t previously contracted measles. The contagious period extends from four days before the rash appears until four days after it starts, he explained.
“When you’re in a public place, it’s tough to pinpoint who might have been exposed,” he added.
Responses from public health officials in the St. Louis city and county health departments were not available on Monday.
Measles was declared eradicated in the U.S. in 2000 due to high vaccination rates, but a 95% vaccination rate is necessary for herd immunity, Dr. Mabian stated. “Herd immunity really matters with measles because of its high contagion level.”
Particularly vulnerable groups include the unvaccinated, infants under one year, and immunocompromised individuals.
Julia Bietsch, a new mother from St. Charles, expressed anxiety about taking her newborn out. “My other child is vaccinated, but I feel anxious about leaving the hospital with my little one who has no protection from measles at this time,” Bietsch shared.
Health officials emphasize that receiving two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best way to prevent measles transmission. This vaccination protocol starts with one dose between 12 and 15 months and another between 4 to 5 years.
Individuals born before 1957 are considered immune due to potential past exposure, as are those born after 1989 who have completed full vaccination. However, individuals born from 1958 to 1988 may require a booster shot since they likely received only one dose, as recommended at the time.
“It’s crucial for those eligible for vaccination—and who haven’t contracted measles—to get fully vaccinated,” Dr. Mabian emphasized.
