Press Release: 1 Confirmed Case of Measles in Richland County Health Officials Investigating Possible Exposures
Richland County Health and Human Services has confirmed 1case of measles in Richland County. Richland County Health and Human Services, in conjunction with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, is working to identify and directly notify people who may have been exposed to the measles virus.
Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable 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 can cause serious health complications, including pneumonia, brain damage, deafness, and can sometimes be deadly.
People who are most at risk are those who are not vaccinated or don’t know their vaccination status. If you are unsure if you are vaccinated against measles, contact your health care provider or local health department. If you develop symptoms, call your health care provider before going into the clinic.
Symptoms of measles typically appear approximately 10 to 12 (with a range of 7–21 days) days after 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.
If you develop any symptoms of measles, stay home (do not go to work, school, shopping, or use public transportation) and call your doctor’s office or clinic before visiting so they can take precautions so that other patients are not exposed to the virus.
The best way to protect against measles is to get vaccinated with the mumps, measles, rubella (MMR) vaccine. DHS recommends children receive two doses of MMR vaccine. The first dose should be given between 12–15 months of age and the second dose should be given between 4–6 years of age (before start of kindergarten). People born before 1957 are considered immune to measles. All other adults without laboratory evidence of immunity should have at least one dose of measles-containing vaccine. For more information on who should get a measles vaccine visit the DHS measles webpage: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/publications/p03713.pdf
The MMR vaccine is available at area health care providers, local clinics, local health departments, and some pharmacies. Contact your healthcare provider, local pharmacy, or your local health department if you have any questions about the availability, cost of vaccine or insurance questions, to scheduling an appointment, or to determine your eligibility to receive the MMR vaccine.
This is an ongoing investigation. Any updates will be posted to Outbreaks, Recalls, and Investigations | Wisconsin Department of Health Services The Wisconsin DHS Measles information dashboard is updated on Tuesday and Fridays at: Immunizations: Measles | Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
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