HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WAFF) – Alabama health officials are warning the public after a case of measles was reported in Huntsville involving an international traveler who visited businesses in the Bailey Cove area while infectious.The Alabama Department of Public Health says a private lab reported the positive test and is now urging anyone who may have been exposed to check their vaccine status and watch for symptoms.Possible exposure locations in HuntsvilleHealth officials say the person visited these locations:Subway, 7900 Bailey Cove Road in Huntsville, on Oct. 4, 5 and 7 between 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.Publix at 12796 Bailey Cove Road Southeast, on Oct. 4 between 1 and 3 p.m.ADPH advises anyone who was at the restaurant or store during those times to check their vaccine status and monitor for measles symptoms.Wes Stubblefield with the ADPH said measles is a highly infectious virus. “Individuals should, if they were in proximity or in those establishments at that time, they should monitor themselves for symptoms,” Stubblefield said. “And if they have any symptoms that might be concerning for a measles illness, that they notify their local physician or any clinic that they present to before they go. Tell them that they are concerned that they may have been in contact and may have symptoms concerning for measles.”What to know about measles symptomsMeasles is a serious, highly contagious viral respiratory illness that spreads through droplets in the air when someone with measles coughs or sneezes.If exposed, unvaccinated people have a 90% chance of becoming infected. Symptoms usually appear 7 to 14 days after infection, and infected people can spread it to others for several days before showing symptoms.Common symptoms include:High fever, which may spike to more than 104 degreesCoughRunny noseRed, watery eyesRashHow to protect yourself with MMR vaccineHealth officials say the best way to protect yourself is to get the measles-mumps-rubella, or MMR, vaccine.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported more than 4,000 confirmed measles cases in the U.S. this year. Many cases originate from international travel.CDC recommendations:Children:Two doses of MMR vaccineFirst dose at 12 through 15 monthsSecond dose at 4 through 6 years before school entryAdults:1 or 2 doses of MMR vaccine, depending on risk factorsAnyone traveling internationally should be fully vaccinated before traveling. Infants 6 to 11 months old should get one dose before travel, then two more doses after their first birthday.Measles can cause serious complications, especially in children under 5, including ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, swelling of the brain and even death. Parents should make sure their children are up to date on routine immunizations. Adults unsure of their status should contact their health care provider.Click Here to Subscribe on YouTube: Watch the latest WAFF 48 news, sports & weather videos on our YouTube channel!Copyright 2026 WAFF. All rights reserved.
