The Minnesota Department of Health together with local public health departments in Freeborn and Winona counties are warning people about recent potential exposure to confirmed measles at two locations in southeastern Minnesota.

The warning comes after MDH learned April 23 that a non-Minnesota resident with confirmed measles traveled through Minnesota from another state and may have exposed individuals at two separate locations on different days and times: On April 13, at a McDonald's restaurant, 172 Main St., Winona, between 12:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.

On April 16, at the Freeborn County Co-op gas station, 1840 Margaretha Ave., Albert Lea, between 9:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. If you were at either of these locations at these specific times, health officials say you should watch for symptoms of measles and check your vaccination status.

Measles, which can be prevented with a vaccine, is a highly infectious rash illness. Subsequent cases from these exposures would be expected to occur between April 23 and May 7. State and local health officials are contacting owners of the two locations to provide recommendations for employees.

"If someone has been exposed and has signs consistent with measles, it is important that they stay isolated from others to prevent spreading the disease and call their health care provider," said Kris Ehresmann, director of infectious disease for MDH, in a statement. Measles symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, red, watery eyes and a rash.

Image via Shutterstock Measles can be spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area.

"If you are diagnosed with measles, it is important to follow the instructions of your health care provider and public health officials to protect your family and community," Ehresmann said.

Health care providers should isolate suspected measles patients and immediately report suspected cases to the Minnesota Department of Health. Most people born before 1957 have had measles disease and are considered immune.