The City of St. Louis Department of Health has issued a health advisory notifying the public of a potential measles exposure at the St. Louis Aquarium last Wednesday between 1 and 6 p.m., due to a confirmed case in an out-of-state visitor. According to the department's announcement, the affected individual also visited a nearby restaurant, though details have not yet been fully disclosed. The department recommends that individuals who may have been exposed—particularly those who are immunocompromised, pregnant, or have children too young to be vaccinated—should seek medical advice.
Given the highly infectious nature of measles—a disease known to spread via droplets or airborne transmission—health authorities stress the importance of contacting healthcare providers or the Department of Health for those concerned about exposure. However, the window for effective post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is closing, with today being the final day for treatment eligibility. Healthcare providers must be notified in advance of visits to ensure proper precautions are in place.
In a collaborative effort to respond to the incident, Dr. Mati Hlatshwayo Davis, Director of Health for the City of St. Louis, expressed gratitude to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and the Pandemic Task Force, led by Dr. Alex Garza, for their support and immediate alignment with the city’s communicable diseases, epidemiology, and communications teams. This inter-agency cooperation highlights the ongoing commitment to manage the spread of the highly contagious virus effectively.
Measles typically begins with a fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Those affected can spread the virus to nine out of ten people who are either unvaccinated or lack natural immunity—underscoring the importance of vaccination. The MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine has been shown to offer 97% protection after two doses, according to the City of St. Louis Department of Health. In parallel with the health advisory, the department’s "Measles Data Brief" provides additional insight and can be accessed on the city’s official health website.
