Wisconsin measles outbreak grows to 92 cases in three counties
Wisconsin’s measles outbreak has jumped from 42 to 92 cases across three counties, but health officials say no public exposure locations have been reported.
MADISON, Wis. —
The number of measles cases associated with an outbreak in southwestern Wisconsin has increased significantly, rising from 42 reported Tuesday to 92 in the latest state update.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services, or DHS, said the outbreak involves Grant, Iowa and Lafayette counties. The increase reflects continued transmission among people connected to previously identified cases, according to the department.
Health officials said the higher case count does not necessarily mean the broader public faces an increased risk of exposure.
Federal, state and local public health agencies continue to investigate the cases, identify and notify close contacts and determine whether exposures may have occurred in public places. Officials said the public will be notified if any potential public exposure locations are identified.
No public exposure locations have been reported.
The latest figures represent a sharp increase from an Aug. 21 update, when DHS reported 41 confirmed and seven probable cases associated with the outbreak. At that time, Grant County had two confirmed cases, Iowa County had 35 confirmed cases and Lafayette County had four confirmed and seven probable cases.
DHS later corrected the number of new confirmed and probable cases included in that update.
Measles symptoms and risks
Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads through the air 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.
The disease can cause severe health complications, including pneumonia, brain damage and deafness. In some cases, measles can be fatal.
Symptoms generally develop 10 to 21 days after exposure and may include:
A runny noseA high fever, sometimes exceeding 104 degreesTirednessA coughRed or watery eyes, also known as conjunctivitisA red, raised rash that begins at the hairline and spreads to the arms and legs three to five days after other symptoms begin
People with possible measles should call a doctor’s office or clinic before arriving. Advance notice allows health care workers to take precautions and prevent exposure to other patients.
DHS urges residents to check vaccinations
Measles can be prevented with the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, commonly called the MMR vaccine. Two doses are 97% effective at preventing measles, according to DHS.
The department is encouraging Wisconsin residents to check their vaccination records and make sure their families are protected.
Residents can check the Wisconsin Immunization Registry or contact a health care provider or local health department to confirm their vaccination status.
Additional information and the state’s measles dashboard are available on the DHS measles webpage. Grant County residents may contact the Grant County Health Department at 608-723-6416 or health@co.grant.wi.gov.