Health Officials Warn Of Possible Measles Exposure In AL: What To Know

HUNTSVILLE, AL — The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) is warning residents of a possible measles exposure at two Huntsville-area businesses after an international traveler tested positive for the highly contagious virus.

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ADPH said a private laboratory reported the positive test involving an individual who visited a Subway restaurant and Publix grocery store in the Bailey Cove area while infectious.

Health officials identified the following locations and potential exposure times:

• Subway, 7900 Bailey Cove Road: Oct. 4, 5 and 6, between 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. each day.
• Publix, 12796 Bailey Cove Road Southeast: Oct. 4, between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

ADPH says anyone who visited either business during those periods is encouraged to check their vaccination status and monitor for symptoms of measles.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

According to ADPH, approximately 90% of unvaccinated people exposed to the virus can become infected.

Symptoms typically develop seven to 14 days after exposure and can include high fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes and a rash. Fevers can exceed 104 degrees.

Infected individuals can also spread the virus several days before symptoms appear.

The warning comes amid a nationwide resurgence of measles, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting more than 4,000 confirmed cases across the United States this year.

Health officials emphasize that vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent infection.

The CDC recommends children receive two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, commonly known as MMR.

ADPH said international travelers should also ensure they are fully vaccinated before departure. Infants between 6 and 11 months old should receive an early dose before international travel, followed by two additional doses after their first birthday.

Measles can cause serious complications, particularly among children younger than 5. Those complications can include pneumonia, brain swelling and death.

ADPH encourages anyone uncertain about their vaccination status to contact a health care provider.

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