First Measles Case of the Year Confirmed in Waukesha County
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has confirmed the first measles case of the year in a resident of Waukesha County.
State and Waukesha County health officials report that the individual's case is linked to international travel. Efforts are ongoing to identify and notify individuals who may have been exposed.
Currently, no locations where the general public might have been exposed have been identified.
Understanding Measles: Contagion and Symptoms
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), measles is highly contagious. It can spread through the air via coughs or sneezes and remain airborne for up to two hours after exposure.
The disease is so contagious that up to 90% of unvaccinated individuals exposed to an infected person may also contract it.
Symptoms typically manifest 10 to 21 days post-exposure and include:
- Runny nose
- High fever (potentially over 104°F)
- Tiredness
- Cough
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
- A red rash with raised bumps that starts at the hairline and spreads to the arms and legs three to five days after other symptoms appear.
Potential Complications
Measles can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, brain damage, and deafness, and can be fatal.
Approximately one in four people in the United States who contract measles require hospitalization.
Prevention and Vaccination
Health officials emphasize that the most effective prevention for measles is two doses of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is 97% effective.
The MMR vaccine is 97% effective with two doses, offering robust protection against measles.
Wisconsin residents can verify their vaccination status via the Wisconsin Immunization Registry or by contacting their healthcare provider or local health department.