The Allen County Department of Health has confirmed one local case of measles in an unvaccinated minor. The patient is stable and recovering. No additional information will be released because of state and federal privacy protections. The confirmation comes as part of an investigation conduct ed with the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH). Health officials said the investigation is in its early stages and more information will be shared when available. The department also was made aware that visitors to the Fort Wayne Zoo might have been exposed to measles Sunday, September 27. Any exposure would have occurred between 11:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Health officials urged anyone who was at the zoo during that time to check their measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination status and monitor for symptoms for 21 days. People who were exposed and have not received the MMR vaccine should quarantine for 21 days after exposure and discuss vaccination with their doctor. Anyone who is immunocompromised, pregnant, or unable to receive the vaccine because of age or an underlying health condition should contact a healthcare provider for guidance. “Now is the time for our community to get vaccinated,” said Health Department Administrator Mindy Waldron. “Measles is dangerous, highly contagious, and extremely risky to those too young to be fully vaccinated and people with certain medical conditions. The Allen County Department of Health asks that everyone check their vaccination status and seek immunization for all eligible family members.” People are considered protected from measles if they have two documented, age-appropriate doses of the MMR vaccine, a blood test showing measles immunity, were born before 1957, or have a documented history of having had measles. Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms generally appear 10 to 14 days after exposure, although some can appear as early as seven days afterward. Symptoms can include a high fever, sore throat, small white spots inside the cheeks, red and watery eyes, cough, runny nose, and a red, blotchy rash that typically begins on the face and spreads across the body. Measles can cause serious health problems, particularly in children younger than 5. Complications can include ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, encephalitis, severe hearing loss, and death. Anyone with symptoms should stay home and contact their healthcare provider or the health department immediately. The Allen County Department of Health offers MMR and other vaccines at its Medical Annex, 4813 New Haven Ave. Appointments can be made by calling (260) 449-7504. Vaccines are also available through Super Shot at 1515 Hobson Road. Priority appointments are available for MMR vaccines, and walk-ins are welcome. Clinic hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays, and 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays. Appointments can be made by calling (260) 424-7468. ...read more read less