Health officials investigating
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) and Public Health Madison Dane County have confirmed a case of measles in a resident of Dane County, representing the second confirmed case of measles in Wisconsin this year.
The case was exposed to measles during international travel and is not related to the case confirmed in Waukesha County last week. Due to privacy concerns, no additional personal identifying or health information will be released by DHS. DHS and Public Health Madison Dane County are working to identify and notify people who may have been exposed to the measles virus, including working closely with UW-Madison regarding on-campus exposure locations. Locations of possible public exposure will be updated on the DHS Outbreaks and Investigations webpage.
Measles is a highly contagious disease that can be spread from person to person through the air and can stay in the air for two hours after a sick person coughs or sneezes. It is so contagious that if one person gets it, up to 90% of the people around them may also become infected if they are not vaccinated.
Symptoms of measles typically appear approximately 10 to 21 days after an exposure, and include:
- Runny nose
- High fever (may be greater than 104°F)
- Tiredness
- Cough
- Red, watery eyes, or conjunctivitis (“pink eye”)
- A red rash with raised bumps that starts at the hairline and moves to the arms and legs three to five days after symptoms begin
Measles can cause serious health complications, including pneumonia, brain damage, and deafness, and can sometimes be deadly. One in four people who get measles in the United States will be hospitalized.
Anyone developing symptoms of measles should stay home (do not go to work, school, shopping, or use public transportation) and call their doctor’s office or clinic before visiting so they can take precautions to ensure other patients are not exposed to the virus.
Measles can be prevented with the measles, mumps, rubella vaccine (MMR). Two doses of the measles vaccine are 97% effective at preventing the disease. DHS encourages all Wisconsinites to check their vaccination status to make sure they and their family are protected from measles.
In general, people born before 1957 are considered immune and do not need a vaccine. All other adults without laboratory evidence of immunity should have at least one dose of measles-containing vaccine, and children should have two doses. Find more information about who should get a measles vaccine on the DHS measles webpage.
People can check the Wisconsin Immunization
Anyone who is not vaccinated against measles can get vaccinated at their regular health care provider, local clinic, or pharmacy. Local health departments can help determine what vaccines are needed. Get free, confidential assistance finding a doctor or clinic by dialing 211. Anyone who is pregnant, has children under the age of 12 months, or is otherwise not able to receive the MMR vaccine can contact their doctor or community clinic for guidance.
Find more information on the DHS measles webpage. UW-Madison students can contact University Health Services at 608-265-5600.
This is an ongoing investigation. Any updates to public exposure locations will be shared broadly and will be posted on the DHS Outbreaks and Investigations webpage.
