First Confirmed Measles Case In Oklahoma Since 1997

Oklahoma has its first confirmed case of measles since 1997.

The patient is in Stillwater and the state health department said others may have been exposed to the virus during recent visits to several popular grocery stores and restaurants in Stillwater.

“Measles is very uncommon in the United States,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Kristy Bradley. “In fact, the United States was declared measles-free in 2000,” she added.

The patient got measles in Asia, then arrived in Oklahoma March 12 and was contagious until March 19.

Health officials will not release any other details, other than the person is married to an OSU student who lives off campus.

While the patient is being treated and is expected to get better, the health department said others may have been exposed to the virus while the patient was contagious.

3/27/2015 Related Story: Oklahoma Health Department Confirms Measles Case In Stillwater

Here is the list of locations and times the patient visited:

• Aldi (1188 N. Perkins) on March 13
• Crepe Myrtle Market (613 S. Lewis) on March 13
• Food Pyramid (421 N. Main) on March 13
• Boba Fusion Café (211 N. Perkins) on March 13
• China Wok (917 N. Perkins) on March 14
• Jimmy's Egg (811 W. 6th) on March 16
• University Health Services at OSU on March 17 or 19

Health officials said there is no ongoing risk of exposure at those locations.

“The risk of exposure would have been for a very short period and just on those dates listed,” said Dr. Bradley.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus.

The virus is spread through coughing, sneezing or touching a contaminated surface.

“It's one of the most highly contagious respiratory viruses that we have,” Dr. Bradley told News 9.

People who are susceptible to measles usually develop symptoms about 10 days after exposure.

Those symptoms include fever, red eyes, a cough and then a rash.

You are protected for life if you received your two doses of vaccine.

If you think you may have been exposed, check your immunization records and call your doctor of the health department with any questions.

Learn more about the measles on the health department's site.