Alaska public health officials are investigating a confirmed case of measles infection in a resident of the central Kenai Peninsula. Genetic testing at the Alaska State Virology Laboratory for measles virus was positive.
An unvaccinated local teenager who traveled to Arizona developed symptoms of measles after arriving back in Alaska earlier this month, and non-immune persons who were in close proximity to the infected person may be at risk of developing measles.
The teen might have been infectious while in several public locations in Soldotna during July 8–14, including five different days at Froso's Family Dining restaurant, and at Soldotna Urgent Care and the CPH Emergency Room on Sunday (July 14) afternoon and evening.
Measles virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after someone infectious with measles leaves the area. Anyone who was at the listed locations during the days noted could have been exposed to measles.
The Alaska Division of Public Health cautions that the risk to the general public is low, saying most people in our area have immunity to the measles through vaccination. However, anyone who was in a location of potential exposure to measles on the days listed should find out if they have been vaccinated for measles or have evidence of immunity to measles previously.
If you develop an illness with fever or with an unexplained rash, do not go to a clinic or hospital without calling first to tell them you want to be evaluated for measles.
Measles symptoms could appear starting from seven days after the first exposure to 21 days after the last exposure. Rash is most likely to appear 10 to 12 days after an exposure.