The Wyoming Department of Health says those who visited Powell’s Maverik store around midday on Saturday, April 25, may have been exposed to measles.

In a Friday news release, the department said an adult who lives in Fremont County has been confirmed to have the infectious disease and indicated the individual recently visited Powell. According to the department, anyone who visited the Maverik on East Coulter Avenue between 10:45 a.m. and 1 p.m. on April 25 may have been exposed to the measles. The same goes for anyone who went to the Riverton Walmart between 6:30 and 9 p.m. on Friday, April 24.

The measles virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area, particularly in an indoor space.

“We are asking individuals who were potentially exposed to self-monitor for measles symptoms for 21 days past the exposure date, and consider avoiding crowded public places or high-risk settings such as daycare centers,” State Health Officer Dr. Alexia Harrist said in the release.

People exposed to measles typically develop symptoms seven to 21 days after exposure. They include: fever; cough; runny nose; red eyes; and, a characteristic rash that usually starts several days later on the face and spreads down the body.

Health officials say the disease poses the highest risks to infants, non-immune pregnant women, and immunocompromised people and that those people should call healthcare provider if they’ve been exposed. All others should reach out if they develop symptoms.

Measles can cause severe illness and is highly infectious, but vaccinations generally provide lifelong immunity to the virus. For those who have not received the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, the department says monitoring for symptoms is especially critical.

The state health department said it did not know if the infected adult in Fremont County had been vaccinated.

“Measles is one of the most contagious diseases we know, but it is preventable,” said Harrist. She recommends that all Wyomingites be up to date on MMR vaccinations.

This is the first reported case of the measles in Wyoming this year, after 15 were reported last year.