Possible measles exposure at Indianapolis hotel and restaurant, health officials say

Health officials are warning about possible measles exposure at a hotel and a restaurant in Indianapolis.

A case of measles was confirmed in a person from out of state who visited the two locations last week, the Marion County Public Health Department said in a news release Wednesday.

On March 18, the person was at the Microtel Inn & Suites at 5815 Rockville Road on the west side and Shapiro's Delicatessen at 808 S. Meridian St. in Downtown Indianapolis, the release said.

Measles is a virus that typically starts with a high fever, cough and runny nose. Within a few days, a signature rash breaks out that spreads downward from the face. The rash may also bring a spike in the fever. In severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia, encephalitis and even death.

"Symptoms from one of these specific exposures in Indianapolis would begin sometime between March 25 and April 8," the release said.

Most Marion County residents should already be vaccinated against the measles infection. The MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine is typically given to children at 12-15 months of age and again when they're 4 to 6 years old, the department said.

Anyone who may have been exposed and is starting to develop symptoms is urged to contact their health-care provider.

Contact IndyStar reporter Crystal Hill at 317-444-6094 or cnhill@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter: @crysnhill.