Measles Case Confirmed in Las Vegas After ConExpo – Check Symptoms & Vaccine Status

Las Vegas, NV – Public health authorities are investigating a confirmed case of measles in a visitor to Clark County, Nevada, raising awareness about potential exposures at a recent industry event and in the broader Las Vegas area. The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) and the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health (NDPBH) reported the case involves an individual who was infectious while attending the CONEXPO-CON/AGG construction trade show at the Las Vegas Convention Center on March 6th and 7th, and while present in the Las Vegas area on March 8th.

This confirmation prompts a focused public health response, urging individuals who were at the convention center during those dates, or who may have come into contact with the infected person, to carefully review their vaccination records. Those who are not fully vaccinated against measles, or who have never received the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, are advised to contact their healthcare providers.

Understanding Measles and Its Contagiousness

Measles is considered one of the most highly contagious infectious diseases. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left a space, making transmission possible even after the individual is no longer present. Up to nine out of ten people who are not immune to measles will develop into infected if exposed, highlighting the importance of vaccination for both individual and community protection. You can identify more information about measles from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention here.

Symptoms of measles typically develop within 7 to 21 days after exposure. These initial symptoms include fever, cough, a runny nose, and red, irritated eyes. A characteristic rash usually appears one to four days after these early symptoms initiate. Importantly, individuals with measles are contagious from approximately four days before the rash appears until four days after.

Who is at Increased Risk?

While measles can affect anyone, certain populations are at higher risk of experiencing complications. These include children under the age of five, adults over 20, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Complications from measles can be serious, even in otherwise healthy individuals, and can include pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and, in rare cases, death.

Clark County reported one confirmed case of measles in 2025, underscoring the ongoing risk of outbreaks, even with widespread vaccination efforts. The effectiveness of the MMR vaccine is well-established; two doses provide approximately 97% protection against measles.

The CONEXPO-CON/AGG Event and Potential Exposure

CONEXPO-CON/AGG is a major North American construction trade show, bringing together industry professionals from across the country, and internationally. The event, held at the Las Vegas Convention Center, attracts a large number of attendees, increasing the potential for widespread exposure. According to the show’s website, over 140,000 industry professionals are expected to attend the next event in 2029. Learn more about the show here.

The SNHD and NDPBH are actively working to identify and notify individuals who may have been exposed at the convention center. Anyone who attended CONEXPO-CON/AGG on March 6th or 7th should be particularly vigilant for the development of measles symptoms.

What to Do If You Suspect Exposure

If you believe you may have been exposed to measles, it is crucial to monitor yourself for symptoms. If a rash develops accompanied by a fever or other symptoms consistent with measles, contact your healthcare provider immediately. It is vital to call ahead before visiting a healthcare facility to allow staff to take appropriate precautions to prevent further spread of the virus.

Individuals experiencing symptoms should likewise avoid contact with others to minimize the risk of transmission. Isolating yourself can help protect vulnerable populations and prevent further outbreaks.

Public Health Surveillance and Response

The reporting of this measles case triggers a standard public health response, involving contact tracing, vaccination outreach, and ongoing surveillance. Contact tracing aims to identify individuals who may have been exposed to the infected person, allowing public health officials to provide guidance and assess the need for vaccination.

The SNHD and NDPBH are also reminding the public of the importance of maintaining up-to-date vaccinations against vaccine-preventable diseases. Vaccination remains the most effective way to protect individuals, families, and the community from outbreaks. You can find information about immunization services offered by the Southern Nevada Health District here.

The Broader Context of Measles Incidence

Measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, but outbreaks still occur, often linked to imported cases from other countries. Decreasing vaccination rates in some communities have contributed to a resurgence of measles in recent years, highlighting the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage to protect herd immunity. According to the World Health Organization, measles remains a significant public health challenge globally, particularly in countries with low vaccination rates. Learn more about global measles efforts from the WHO.

The current case in Las Vegas serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat posed by measles and the importance of proactive public health measures to prevent its spread. Staying informed about vaccination recommendations and seeking medical attention if you suspect exposure are crucial steps in protecting yourself and your community.