Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) issued a public health alert on Friday after a laboratory confirmed a case of measles in Huntsville. The infected individual, an international traveler, was reportedly contagious while visiting two local businesses in the Bailey Cove area.

Locations and exposure times

According to ADPH, the traveler was present at the following sites while potentially infectious:

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

Anyone who was inside either establishment during those windows is urged to check their measles‑mumps‑rubella (MMR) vaccination status and monitor for symptoms.

Understanding measles and risk

Measles is a highly contagious viral respiratory illness that spreads through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The disease can be severe, especially for children under five, leading to complications such as ear infections, pneumonia, diarrhea, brain swelling and, in rare cases, death.

Unvaccinated individuals exposed to measles have roughly a 90 % chance of becoming infected. Symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure and include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a characteristic rash. Infected people can transmit the virus for several days before the rash appears.

Vaccination guidance

ADPH emphasizes that the most effective protection is the MMR vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends:

• Children receive two doses of MMR, the first at 12‑15 months and the second at 4‑6 years.
• Adults who are unsure of their vaccination status should consult their health‑care provider and receive at least one dose if they have not been vaccinated.
• Infants 6‑11 months traveling internationally should receive a single dose before travel, followed by the standard two‑dose series after their first birthday.

Those who suspect exposure should watch for fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes or rash and seek medical advice promptly.

National context

The CDC reports more than 4,000 confirmed measles cases across the United States this year, many linked to international travel. Health officials continue to stress the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to prevent further spread.

What residents can do

Residents who were at the Subway or Publix locations during the specified times should:

1. Verify their MMR vaccination record.
2. If unvaccinated or uncertain, contact a health‑care provider to receive the vaccine.
3. Monitor for measles symptoms for up to two weeks after the last possible exposure.
4. Seek medical attention promptly if symptoms develop.

ADPH will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed. For more information, residents can visit the Alabama Department of Public Health website or call the state health hotline.

Original reporting: WAFF 48 Huntsville (news) — read the source article.