Image Source: KSDK

Measles exposure warnings have been issued for eight St. Louis-area locations, including Busch Stadium, after Missouri health officials said an infected person visited several sites earlier this month.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services announced the possible exposures Monday. Officials said the individual visited locations between Sept. 10 and Sept. 12. People who were at those sites during the listed periods are being urged to monitor themselves for symptoms and review their vaccination records.

Measles exposure warning includes Busch Stadium

One possible exposure occurred at Busch Stadium on Sept. 10, during the St. Louis Cardinals’ game against the Kansas City Royals. Health officials identified Section 132, where the infected person was seated. The warning is particularly important because large sporting events can bring thousands of people together in crowded seating areas, concourses, entrances and public transportation zones.

The remaining locations were businesses and public gathering places in St. Louis, Pacific and Chesterfield. The health department did not identify the infected person or disclose where that person lives. Officials also did not say whether the person had been vaccinated.

Anyone who visited one of the listed locations during the relevant time should closely monitor their health for 21 days after possible exposure. People who develop symptoms should call a health care provider before visiting a clinic, doctor’s office or emergency room so staff can take precautions to prevent further spread.

Critical symptoms to watch for

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that can spread through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain in an indoor area for up to two hours after an infected person has left, according to public health guidance.

Early symptoms often resemble a common respiratory infection. They may include:

Fever
Cough
Runny nose
Red or watery eyes
A rash that typically appears several days after the first symptoms

The rash often begins on the face or hairline and spreads downward across the body. Because measles can initially look like other illnesses, people who experience symptoms after a possible exposure should contact a medical professional promptly and mention the potential measles exposure.

Missouri continues to monitor measles activity

The announcement comes as Missouri health officials continue tracking measles cases across the state. St. Louis County recently reported its first measles case in about 20 years. The case involved a fully vaccinated resident who became infected after contact connected to an international traveler.

Missouri physicians have reported multiple measles cases to the state this year, while officials nationwide have recorded a significant number of infections. Health authorities have said many cases involve people who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown.

The measles, mumps and rubella vaccine remains the strongest protection against the disease. People who are unsure whether they received the recommended doses should check with a health care provider or local health department. Individuals who may have weakened immune systems, infants too young to be fully vaccinated and pregnant people should seek medical advice if they believe they were exposed.

What visitors should do now

People who attended the Cardinals game or visited any of the other listed sites during the exposure windows do not need to assume they are infected. However, health officials recommend taking the alert seriously and watching for symptoms through the full monitoring period.

Check personal and family vaccination records.
Monitor for fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and rash.
Call a health care provider before arriving for an appointment.
Avoid close contact with infants and people with weakened immune systems if symptoms develop.
Follow instructions from state and local health authorities.

Health officials emphasized that the exposure notice is precautionary. It is intended to help people recognize symptoms quickly, receive appropriate care and reduce the chance of additional transmission in homes, workplaces, schools and public venues.

Frequently asked questions

When did the possible measles exposures occur?

The infected person visited the identified St. Louis-area locations between Sept. 10 and Sept. 12, according to Missouri health officials.

Was Busch Stadium included in the warning?

Yes. A possible exposure occurred in Section 132 at Busch Stadium during the Cardinals’ Sept. 10 game.

How long should exposed people monitor for symptoms?

People who may have been exposed should monitor themselves for measles symptoms for 21 days after the possible exposure.

What should someone do if symptoms appear?

Call a health care provider before visiting in person. Tell the provider about the possible exposure so appropriate precautions can be arranged.

How can measles be prevented?

Vaccination is the best protection. People who are uncertain about their vaccination status should contact a health care provider or local health department.