Health Advisory: City of St. Louis Department of Health Issues Advisory on Potential Measles Exposure at St. Louis Aquarium

The City of St. Louis Department of Health is notifying the public of a potential measles exposure after a confirmed case from an out-of-state visitor was reported at the St. Louis Aquarium on Wednesday, April 30, between 1-6 p.m.  The individual also visited a nearby restaurant; however, specific details about that visit remain limited at this time.  More details will be provided if they become available.

Because measles is highly contagious, the Department of Health urges anyone who may have been exposed–especially those who are immunocompromised, pregnant, or a parent of a child too young to be vaccinated–to contact their health care provider or the Department of Health immediately.

Decisions regarding post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) are made on a case-by-case basis, in accordance with clinical guidelines and at the discretion of a licensed healthcare provider, based on the individual’s exposure risk, vaccination history, and health status. The deadline for PEP evaluation and treatment is May 6th.  It is important to notify your provider before visiting so they can take appropriate precautions to safely receive you and minimize potential exposure to others.

“I want to sincerely thank the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services for their partnership and meeting with our communicable diseases, epidemiology, and communications leadership last night to align our response efforts,” says Dr. Mati Hlatshwayo Davis, Director of Health for the City of St. Louis. “I also want to thank the Pandemic Task Force, under the leadership of Dr. Alex Garza, for reconvening at my request last month to support renewed regional preparedness efforts, specifically around this topic.”

Measles is a highly contagious acute viral illness that can be transmitted by direct contact with infectious droplets or by airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes.  Typical beginning symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes.  An individual with measles can easily spread the virus to 9 out of 10 unvaccinated individuals or those without natural immunity.  The best protection against measles is vaccination.  Two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine provide 97% protection against measles.  More information can be found here: City of St. Louis Department of Health - Measles Data Brief - 05/05/2025

For more information, please contact the City of St. Louis Department of Health at 314-612-5100 or health@stlouis-mo.gov.

Documents

• Measles Data Brief 05/05/2025