Las Vegas: New measles cases linked to Emeril’s staffer

In a follow-up to a report two weeks ago of a measles case in an employee of Emeril's New Orleans Fish House at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, health officials have identified three additional cases of measles who had exposure to the first case. The new measles cases are two Emeril's staff members and a restaurant patron.

MGM Grand Hotel & Casino.
Image/Video Screen Shot

According to the Southern Nevada Health District, one of the staffers was potentially contagious while working shifts beginning at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 18, Thursday, Feb. 19, Friday, Feb. 20, and Saturday, Feb. 21.

One of the newly identified cases also visited a Walgreens clinic/drugstore at 2389 E. Windmill Lane, Las Vegas between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 22, and a Chili's Grill & Bar, 7530 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas between 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 22.

Health officials are advising anyone who was at these locations during these times to review their immunization status against measles if they have not already had the disease. In addition, they should contact their health care provider if they develop rash with fever or other symptoms consistent with measles within 21 days after their visit.

It is recommended that anyone with symptoms contact a health care provider's office before entering a health care facility to allow the staff to make appropriate arrangements to ensure the illness is not spread.

The new cases bring to nine the number of confirmed measles cases in Clark County in 2015; these are the first confirmed cases in Southern Nevada since 2011. Previously, the health district has confirmed measles in an infant too young to have received the immunization and who is believed to be the source case for the initial Emeril's Fish House staff member; a young child who received a single dose of vaccine; a fully immunized adolescent; an unvaccinated adult; and an adult whose immunization status is not known.