Delaware Division of Public Health reported a measles exposure at Nemours Children's Hospital emergency department on Feb. 18. State officials initiated contact tracing as they work to notify potentially exposed individuals. The health department emphasized vaccination status checks and symptom monitoring until March 11, with special guidance for pregnant women who may have been exposed.

Measles presents with fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes before a characteristic rash appears. The highly contagious virus spreads through airborne transmission and can remain infectious in air and on surfaces for up to two hours. Health officials note the MMR vaccine stands 97% effective at preventing measles when two doses are administered.

Unvaccinated individuals exposed to measles should receive the MMR vaccine within 72 hours. Those developing symptoms must contact healthcare providers before seeking medical care to prevent further transmission. The outbreak highlights ongoing public health challenges in maintaining vaccination coverage as preventable diseases resurface in communities.

Healthcare providers who identify potential measles cases must report them immediately to Delaware's Office of Infectious Disease Epidemiology. Residents uncertain of their vaccination status can check records through the DelVAX Public Portal. The incident underscores the critical role of hospitals in monitoring and containing infectious disease threats to protect both patients and staff.