St. Paul, MN (KROC-AM News)- Minnesota Health officials are concerned that people who visited a couple businesses in Winona and Freeborn County might have been exposed to the Measles. The Minnesota Department of Health says a non-Minnesotans traveling across the state may have exposed individuals to the virus while visiting a McDonald’s restaurant in Winona and a gas station in Albert Lea.

The stop at the fast food outlet at 172 Main Street in Winona occurred on April 13th between 12:30 and 4 p.m., while the same person stopped at the Freeborn County Co-op gas station at 1840 Margaretha Avenue in Albert Lea on April 16th between 9:30 and 11:45 a.m.

If you happened to be at either business during the specific times listed you are being advised by the health department to monitor for any signs of measles and to check your vaccination records. If there are any new infections, officials say they should begin showing up between now at the end of next week.

"If someone has been exposed and has signs consistent with measles, it is important that they stay isolated from others to prevent spreading the disease and call their health care provider,” said Kris Ehresmann, director of infectious disease for MDH.

The symptoms of the illness include high fever, red and watery eyes, and a rash. Measles also often causes a person to have cold-like symptoms. The virus is spread through coughing and sneezing and can remain in the air for up tp two hours after the departure of the sick person.

Additional information about measles can be found on the MDH Measles (www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/diseases/measles) website.

 

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