Health authorities in Anchorage have issued an alert after confirming a measles case in an unvaccinated juvenile, raising concerns of potential community exposure. The Anchorage Health Department announced on Thursday that the individual, whose age has not been disclosed, tested positive for the virus on Wednesday.
According to the department, the minor visited several public venues in the city while potentially contagious, prompting officials to warn residents of the increased risk for non-immune individuals. Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can be dangerous, especially for young children and those with weakened immune systems.
Public health officials have not yet determined how the minor contracted the virus or whether they had traveled recently. Nevertheless, they have urged the public to be aware of potential symptoms and to check their vaccination status if they may have been exposed.
Exposure Sites and Public Health Advisory
The Anchorage Health Department identified three locations the infected juvenile visited while likely contagious:
- O’Malley Sports Center/Fly Trampoline Park on May 10 between 2 and 6 p.m.
- Target at 150 W. 100th Ave. on May 11 between 4 and 8 p.m.
- YMCA at 5353 Lake Otis Parkway on May 12 between 6 and 9 a.m.
Health officials stated that individuals who were at these places during the specified times may have been exposed to the virus and should monitor for symptoms. Those who are not immune to measles could develop symptoms between May 17 and June 2.
Common symptoms of measles include high fever, cough, runny nose, red watery eyes, and a distinctive rash that typically starts on the face before spreading to the chest and back. Anyone experiencing symptoms is encouraged to contact a healthcare provider promptly and avoid public places to prevent further spread.
Measles Case Vaccination Rates and National Context
Measles Case is preventable through the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is considered highly effective. In Alaska, a strong majority of children are vaccinated: as of late 2024, 79% of children aged 19 to 35 months had received at least one dose, while 83% of children aged 5 to 18 had completed both recommended doses.
The current case is the latest to be recorded in Alaska this year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. has already seen over 1,000 measles cases and three deaths in 2025, with major outbreaks reported in states like Texas and New Mexico. In Alaska, fewer than ten cases have been confirmed so far this year.
This incident follows a similar case from January, when an unvaccinated Kenai Peninsula resident contracted measles after traveling abroad and was hospitalized in Homer. Public health officials are urging all residents to review their immunization records and ensure vaccinations are up to date to help prevent further spread of the virus.
