FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Wes Stubblefield, M.D., (334) 206-5300
Burnestine Taylor, M.D., (334) 206-5325
A private laboratory has reported to the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) that an individual has tested positive for measles. The person, an international traveler, visited businesses in the Huntsville/Bailey Cove area while infectious.
The person was a patron at Subway, 7900 Bailey Cove Road in Huntsville, on three consecutive days on October 4, 5 and 6 between 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. The individual was also a customer at Publix at 12796 Bailey Cove Road Southeast, on October 4 between the hours of 1 and 3 p.m.
ADPH advises individuals who were present in the restaurant or store at the times above to check their vaccine status and monitor for measles symptoms.
Measles is a serious, highly contagious viral respiratory illness that spreads through droplets sprayed into the air when someone with measles sneezes or coughs. If exposed, unvaccinated people have a 90 percent chance of becoming infected. Measles symptoms usually appear 7-14 days after infection, and infected people can spread the disease to other people who are not protected for several days before becoming symptomatic. Common measles symptoms include:
In the United States, measles cases often originate from international travel. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that there have been more than 4,000 confirmed measles cases in the United States this year. With many people traveling within the United States and to other parts of the world, ADPH emphasizes that the best way to protect yourself from measles is to get the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.
The CDC recommends the following regarding MMR vaccination:
Children
Adults
Anyone traveling internationally should be fully vaccinated before traveling. Infants 6 to 11 months old should get 1 dose of the MMR vaccine before travel. Then they should get 2 more doses after their first birthday.
Measles can cause serious health complications, especially in children under 5 years of age. Complications can range from ear infections to diarrhea, pneumonia, swelling of the brain, and even death. Parents should ensure their children receive recommended MMR vaccinations according to the routine immunization schedule. Adults who are unsure of their vaccination status should contact their healthcare provider to determine whether vaccination is recommended.
To learn more about measles, visit the ADPH website.
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10/13/26
County health departments throughout Alabama provide a wide range of confidential and professional services. Contact your local county health department for additional information.
Mission: To promote, protect, and improve Alabama’s health
Vision: Healthy People. Healthy Communities. Healthy Alabama.