Measles patient attended Super Bowl village, health officials warn

By: Ryan Jaslow
Topics: News ,; Disease

Fans pose for photos in front of a sign for Super Bowl XLVI on Monument Circle in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 3, 2012.

(Credit: Charlie Riedel)

(CBS) New York Giants' fans may still be experiencing Super Bowl fever from their big win, but for some people who were at the game, there may be a real risk of developing Super Bowl measles.

PICTURES - Measles: 7 things every parent must know

Indiana health officials have announced that some of the estimated 200,000 visitors to the Super Bowl village last Friday in Indianapolis may have been exposed to highly contagious measles, after a report that a person who had the disease attended the festivities, according to WISH-TV in Indianapolis.

The Indiana State Department of Health said two cases of measles have been confirmed in the state, but would not confirm which of the infected persons visited the festivities. It did say however that he or she did not attend the "NFL Experience" at the Indiana Convention Center.

The department said it notified the CDC and health departments in New York and Massachusetts, but it could be a week before new cases of measles pop up from that exposure, the Associated Press reported.

Measles is extremely contagious, spreading easily through the air - infected droplets can linger for up to two hours in closed spaces. It typically causes rashes, fever, muscle pain, pink eye, and sore throat. There is no treatment but rest and pain meds can help. The disease can lead to potentially fatal complications like pneumonia or encephalitis.

The CDC declared measles "eliminated" in 2000, due in large part to the MMR vaccine, but as more parents are skipping vaccines over autism fears, the U.S. has seen an uptick in cases. From January 1 through June 17 this year, 156 confirmed cases of measles were reported to CDC -mostly from people who traveled abroad - the highest number since in 1996, HealthPop reported.

According to the CDC, if one person has measles, 90 percent of the close to them who aren't immunized will catch it.

"Even if you don't have symptoms, it's a reminder to make sure all your immunizations are up to date," Greg Larkin, the Indiana state health commissioner, told the AP. "And, it's a reminder to wash your hands and stay home from work if you're feeling sick."

State health officials say people who are sick and think they are at risk should call their doctor immediately.

The CDC has more on measles.