Measles case reported on Las Vegas Strip amid increase in cases

Measles, Women scratch the upper arm with one hand due to the numerous red pruritus., Measles is a disease that can spread easily. (Getty)

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Officials from the Southern Nevada Health District Friday confirmed a measles case on the Las Vegas Strip just days after government officials warned of an increase in cases of the virus across the country and around the world.

According to the release, the confirmed case of measles was reported by a person who traveled to Las Vegas from out of state. The potential exposure to measles, which the SNHD described as “highly contagious,” could have occurred at the MGM Grand resort on the Las Vegas Strip, or additional locations visited by the individual while in Las Vegas, including:

• Grand Wok Noodle Bar
• International Smoke Restaurant
• MGM Fitness Center
• Ka Cirque de Soleil
• The food court at MGM
• Harry Reid International Airport (Terminal 1) from the A7 — A15 Gate area.

“In addition to these known locations, the individual visited locations throughout Las Vegas and Henderson,” said the release.

According to health district officials, the measles virus can live for up to two hours in the air, and symptoms can develop within seven to 21 days after exposure.

“Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, with the distinctive rash usually appearing one to four days after the early symptoms,” said the release from the Southern Nevada Health District. “Measles can spread approximately four days before the rash appears and four days after.”

The reported cases come days after Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials issued a “lab advisory” meant to “inform clinicians and public health officials of an increase in global and U.S. measles cases and to provide guidance on measles prevention.

“It is recommended that anyone with symptoms contact a health care provider’s office before entering a health care facility to allow the facility to make appropriate arrangements to ensure the illness is not spread,” said SNHD officials.