JACKSON, Wyo. — A second case of the measles has been confirmed in an unvaccinated adult in Teton County, according to announcements by the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) and Grand Teton National Park (GTNP). The first local case of this year was reported in late June, marking the first time the disease has been present in the county in many years.
A Fremont County adult was infected this spring, bringing this year’s statewide total to three. Last year, Wyoming saw a total of 15 cases, the first appearance of measles in the state since 2010.
Members of the public could have been exposed to infection at the following locations in GTNP and in Jackson, since the measles virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infectious individual leaves an area:
- Smith’s Food and Drug, 1425 South US89
- Sunday, July 5, from 11:30 a.m. through 1:30 p.m.
- Wendy’s, 525 West Broadway
- Sunday, July 5, from 12:15 through 2:15 p.m.
- Colter Bay Convenience Store in GTNP
- Tuesday, July 7, from 9 through 11 a.m.
- Colter Bay Cabin Office in GTNP
- Tuesday, July 7, from 3 p.m. through midnight
“We are asking people who may have been exposed to watch for measles symptoms for 21 days past the exposure date and consider avoiding crowded public places and high-risk settings such as daycare centers,” WDH Epidemiologist Clay Van Houten said in a statement. Monitoring for symptoms is especially critical for people who have not been vaccinated with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
GTNP noted that WDH is conducting contact tracing and public health guidance with support from the National Park Service Office of Health and Safety.
The highly contagious virus can cause serious illnesses including pneumonia and encephalitis, which can lead to hospitalization and even death. Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes and a rash that starts on the face and spreads down the body. People who get sick with these symptoms should call their healthcare provider for guidance. Infants, non-immune pregnant women and immunocompromised people are at the highest risk.
“Measles is one of the most contagious diseases we know, but it is preventable,” Dr. Alexia Harrist with the WDH said after the first case of the year was confirmed. “The MMR vaccine is safe and highly effective, providing long-lasting protection. Two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective in preventing measles, and we recommend that all Wyoming residents ensure they and their children are up to date on MMR vaccinations.”
For more information on measles, including guidance on what to do if exposed, visit the WDH website. As more information becomes available, WDH will post locations of potential exposure, if any, and updated case counts.
