WAUKESHA, Wis. — After Wisconsin’s first measles case of the year reported in Waukesha County, more than 50 people are now under quarantine for possible exposure.
There is still only one confirmed case of measles in the county. An adult who contracted the disease while traveling internationally.
Individuals are placed in quarantine if they are determined to have been exposed to measles and are unvaccinated or unable to provide proof of vaccination, according to Waukesha County health officials.
Public health staff have contacted more than 300 individuals who may have been exposed.
So far this year, the CDC has reported over 400 measles cases across 15 states.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, measles is highly contagious, spreading through the air and remaining airborne for up to two hours after an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Signs and symptoms of measles include:
- Runny nose
- High fever (may exceed 104°F)
- Tiredness
- Cough
- Red, watery eyes, or conjunctivitis (“pink eye”)
- A red rash with raised bumps appearing three to five days after initial symptoms, starting at the hairline and moving to the limbs.
If you exhibit measles symptoms, remain at home and contact your healthcare provider. Inform them of potential exposure to measles and discuss the symptoms you are experiencing.
