Measles spotted in Anchorage

The Anchorage Health Department has confirmed that a young resident of the Municipality of Anchorage tested positive for measles on May 21. The individual is a minor who was not vaccinated against the disease, officials said Wednesday.

The city’s health professionals are warning that the case could result in broader community exposure, especially for individuals who are not immune either through prior infection or vaccination. The highly contagious nature of measles means that even brief exposure in public settings can lead to transmission.

The AHD and the Alaska Department of Health are conducting an active investigation and have released a list of public locations where exposure may have occurred. Individuals who visited the following sites during the specified timeframes may have been exposed and should take precautions:

Potential Exposure Sites and Timeframes:

• O’Malley Sports Center / Fly Trampoline Park
  11050 O’Malley Centre Dr, Anchorage, AK
  May 10, 2025, between approximately 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
• Target (South Anchorage location)
  150 W. 100th Ave, Anchorage, AK
  May 11, 2025, between approximately 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.
• YMCA
  5353 Lake Otis Parkway, Anchorage, AK
  May 12, 2025, between approximately 6 a.m. and 9 a.m.

People who were at any of the above locations during the relevant times and are not immunized should monitor for symptoms of measles from May 17 through June 2. Health officials recommend verifying vaccination status and, if not up to date, getting the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine promptly.

However, the incubation for measles is up to two weeks, and the notification is coming out near the end of that incubation period.

The health department said those without immunity are urged to avoid hospitals, long-term care facilities, large gatherings, and immunocompromised individuals through early June. If symptoms develop, such as high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a characteristic rash, affected individuals should contact a healthcare provider by phone first to arrange for safe medical evaluation.

Measles Symptoms to Watch For:

• High fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes
• Rash that starts on the face and spreads downward, typically 2–4 days after the onset of other symptoms

The MMR vaccine is a safe and highly effective method of protection. The AHD offers vaccinations at its clinic by appointment and may accommodate walk-ins when possible. To schedule a vaccination, call 907-343-4799.

For questions or concerns about possible exposure or symptoms, residents may contact:

• Anchorage Health Department: 907-903-9783
• State of Alaska Section of Epidemiology: 907-269-8000

More information can be found at the CDC Measles page and the Alaska Section of Epidemiology website.