The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) is reporting new measles exposure locations after an out-of-state resident visited Fort Smith while infectious with measles. Measles exposure locations and case counts are updated at www.healthy.arkansas.gov.
Measles is a highly contagious illness that can cause severe health complications. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, and rash. Patients are infectious for both four days before and after they develop a rash. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine can provide long-lasting protection.
The case visited the following locations while infectious:
- Mercy Hospital Fort Smith, 7301 Rogers Avenue in Fort Smith, on 4/19/25 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Best Friend Pet Clinic, 4400 Rogers Avenue Suite C in Fort Smith, on 4/21/25 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Anyone at any of the identified locations during those dates and times is urged to get up to date on the MMR vaccine as quickly as possible. If the MMR vaccine is given soon after exposure, it can stop the infection from developing. If someone is unable to receive the MMR vaccine, they should discuss options with their health care provider. The ADH and affected facilities will be contacting potentially exposed individuals.
Anyone at those locations during those days and times may have been exposed to measles and should monitor for symptoms for 21 days after exposure. If you were at one of these locations during the listed dates and times and develop symptoms, immediately contact your health care provider by phone and state that you were potentially exposed to measles and are now experiencing symptoms. The healthcare provider will need to immediately contact ADH at 1-866-940-7568.
People who received the MMR vaccine or were born before 1957 are generally considered immune.
For more information please visit Measles (Rubeola) – Arkansas Department of Health or call 1-866-940-7568 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
