🚨 Measles Confirmed in Anchorage: What You Need to Know
- Personal de Sunshine
- Jun 4
- 2 min read
A recent case of measles in Alaska has sparked concern and serves as an important reminder of how quickly this virus can spread — and how critical vaccination is in keeping our communities protected.
🧒 About the Case
On May 21, the Alaska Department of Health confirmed a case of measles in an unvaccinated minor living in the Municipality of Anchorage. The child developed symptoms, including a rash, on May 14 after returning from international travel. They sought medical care on May 19, where testing confirmed the measles diagnosis two days later.
This is Alaska’s first reported measles case in years, and it’s a strong signal for all of us to revisit the importance of immunization and awareness.
📍 Potential Exposure Sites
Health officials have identified several public locations in Anchorage where members of the public may have been exposed to the virus. If you were at any of the following places during the specified times, and you are not immune to measles (via vaccination or previous infection), you may be at risk of developing symptoms:
O’Malley Sports Center / Fly Trampoline Park📅 May 10 | 🕑 Approx. 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM📍 11050 O’Malley Centre Drive, Anchorage
Target – 150 W 100th Ave📅 May 11 | 🕓 Approx. 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM📍 Anchorage, AK 99515
YMCA – Lake Otis Parkway📅 May 12 | 🕕 Approx. 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM📍 5353 Lake Otis Parkway, Anchorage
If you were at any of these locations during the listed time frames, please monitor your health closely. Those who are not immune could begin showing symptoms between May 17 and June 2.
🧬 What to Watch For
Measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Even after a person leaves a space, the virus can linger for up to two hours.
Symptoms include:
High fever
Cough
Runny nose
Red, watery eyes
A rash that typically starts on the face and spreads downward
If you or a loved one shows these symptoms — especially if you were potentially exposed — please call your healthcare provider before arriving at a clinic, so proper precautions can be taken.
💉 Vaccination Is Your Best Defense
The best way to prevent measles is through the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella). It is safe, effective, and widely available.
One dose: ~93% effective
Two doses: ~97% effective
If you're unsure of your or your child’s vaccination status, we’re here to help.
📞 Call us at 907-733-2273🌐 Visit sunshineclinic.org to schedule a vaccine check or appointment.
🙏 A Note from Sunshine CHC
We know how important timely public health information is. We sincerely apologize for the delay in sharing this notice with our communities. Our team is committed to improving how we share urgent updates and will continue to work closely with public health officials to keep you informed and protected.
Thank you for helping us build a stronger, healthier, more resilient community.
—Sunshine Community Health CenterServing the Upper Susitna Valley with care, compassion, and community.
Centro Comunitario de Salud Sunshine
1-907-376-2273 (ATENCIÓN)
*This article was written with the support of AI*
