Advisory Issued after Out-of-State Measles Patient Visits Rehoboth

REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) has received notification that an out-of-state individual with measles reportedly traveled through the greater Rehoboth area on Sept. 4. 

The division says the positive individual visited an unknown number of stores and restaurants. While this person had not yet developed symptoms, they are believed to have been contagious at the time of the visits. Because all locations visited cannot be fully determined, DPH is issuing a community wide notification rather than narrowing guidance to specific sites.

Further, DPH says they received the notification after the period when post exposure treatment would have been effective.

People who were in the affected area on Sept. 4 should watch for early symptoms of measles; including fever, cough, runny nose and pink eye lasting two to four days before the rash appears. The rash typically appears three to five days after symptoms begin, usually starting on the face and spreading down the body. Anyone who develops symptoms and may have been exposed should immediately isolate themselves and contact their health care provider to report their symptoms and possible measles exposure.

Additionally, health professionals urge unvaccinated individuals who get exposed should contact their primary care provider or a public health clinic to obtain an MMR vaccine, which is proven to be 97% effective after two doses. 

DPH has confirmed a total of 23 measles cases in Delaware, following a measles outbreak declared in the state on Jul. 22.