A second case of measles has been confirmed in an unvaccinated adult in Teton County, according to 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.

Exposure Locations

Members of the public could have been exposed to infection at the following locations in GTNP and in Jackson: Smith’s Food and Drug, Wendy’s, Colter Bay Convenience Store, and Colter Bay Cabin Office.

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. “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.”

Original reporting: Buckrail (Jackson WY) — read the source article.