FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA) – The Allen County Department of Health says it was recently made aware of a potential measles exposure at the Fort Wayne Zoo.
The department says it is working closely with the Indiana Department of Health after visitors to the Fort Wayne Zoo may have been exposed to measles on Sunday, September 27. Health officials say any exposure would have occurred between 11:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Sunday.
They say anyone who was at the zoo during those times is asked to check their measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination status and to monitor themselves for symptoms for 21 days.
Measles symptoms include:
Fever (typically 101 degrees or higher)Sore throatSmall white spots inside cheeksRed, watery eyesCoughRunny noseA rash that typically starts on your face and spreads across the body
The health department says symptoms typically appear 10 to 14 days after exposure, but some symptoms can appear earlier.
Those who were exposed and have not received the MMR vaccine are asked to quarantine for 21 days after exposure and discuss receiving the vaccine with their doctor, the health department says.
Anyone who was exposed to measles and is immunocompromised, pregnant, or unable to receive the MMR vaccine because of their age or underlying health conditions is asked to talk to their healthcare provider for guidance.
See more information on the MMR vaccine here.
The health department says people are considered protected from measles if they meet one of the following criteria:
There are two documented, age-appropriate doses of the MMR vaccineA blood test showing measles immunityYou were born before 1957There is a documented history of having had the measles
“We are thankful for the Allen County Department of Health for their attentiveness and expertise.
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.”
Allen County reported its first positive case of measles on Thursday, Sept. 24. According to the Indiana Department of Health’s website, no additional cases have been reported as of Sept. 30.
Statewide, a total of 24 measles cases have been reported.
To be the first to get the latest breaking news alerts, download the 21Alive News App here.
You can also catch the latest news from 21Alive anytime on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV. Just search “21Alive” in the App Store and download the app to your device.
Copyright 2026 WPTA. All rights reserved.