Health officials report possible measles exposures

For immediate release

Fort Wayne (Sept. 30, 2026) – As the number of measles cases in Indiana continue to climb, the Allen County Department of Health again urges everyone to check their immunization status and get themselves and family members vaccinated. 

Working closely with the Indiana Department of Health, the Allen County Department of Health was made aware that visitors to the Fort Wayne Zoo might have been exposed to measles Sunday, September 27. Any exposure would have occurred between 11:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Sunday. 

Health officials urge people present at that location during that time to check their measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination status and monitor themselves for symptoms of measles for 21 days. People exposed and who have not received the MMR vaccine should quarantine for 21 days after exposure and discuss receiving the vaccine with their doctor. 

Anyone exposed to measles who is immunocompromised, pregnant or unable to receive the MMR vaccine due to age or underlying health conditions should contact their healthcare provider for guidance.

People are considered protected from measles if one of the following criteria are met: 

  • There are two documented, age-appropriate doses of the MMR vaccine
  • A blood test showing measles immunity
  • You were born before 1957
  • There is a documented history of having had the measles

As vaccination rates wane and measles continues to circulate in Indiana and across the U.S., exposure to the virus will become more likely. Be on alert, check your vaccination status and ensure that you and your loved ones are protected. 

Measles is caused by a highly contagious virus spread through the air by coughing or sneezing. Those not immune to measles can get it just by being in the room where a person with measles has been. 

Measles symptoms include:

  • Fever (typically 101 degrees or higher)
  • Sore throat
  • Small white spots inside cheeks
  • Red, watery eyes
  • Cough
  • Runny nose
  • A rash that typically starts on your face and spreads across the body

Symptoms typically appear 10 to 14 days after exposure to the virus, though some symptoms can appear earlier.

Anyone with symptoms should stay home and contact their healthcare provider or the health department immediately. 

“We are thankful for the Allen County Department of Health for their attentiveness and expertise,” said Rick Schuiteman, Executive Director and CEO of the Fort Wayne Zoo. “The safety of our guests, staff and volunteers is incredibly important and we will continue to follow the lead of the Allen County Department of Health. We urge anyone with questions or concerns to reach out to their local health department or a medical professional.”

Health department staff can be reached from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at (260) 449-7504.

MMR and other vaccines are available from the health department. Appointments can be made by calling (260) 449-7504. 

Vaccines are also available from Super Shot, and appointments can be made by calling (260) 424-7468. 

Super Shot clinic hours

1515 Hobson Road, Fort Wayne – 

Priority appointments for MMR vaccines

Walk-ins welcome

  • 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays
  • 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays
  • 9 a.m. Saturdays

Information about measles including case counts locally and around the U.S. is available on the Indiana Department of Health website as well as from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

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