MADISON, Wis. — State health officials are confirming a “large increase” in measles cases within two counties in southwest Wisconsin.
The Department of Health Services says the case count in Iowa and Lafayette Counties up from two to 15 confirmed and six probable as of the morning of August 13.
The cases are believed to have been exposed in Wisconsin, suggesting there may be additional measles cases in communities that have not yet been identified.
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. 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.
Residents should know the symptoms of measles and call a health care provider if they develop symptoms, even if they are not aware of a specific exposure. Symptoms of measles typically appear approximately 10 to 21 days after being exposed to the virus, 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
Anyone developing symptoms of measles should stay home (not go to work, school, social gatherings, shopping, or use public transportation) and call a 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).
DHS officials will answer questions from the media about the latest measles surge this afternoon.
This is a developing story; more information will be added as it becomes available.
