Marathon County confirms measles case linked to journey exterior Wisconsin

WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) – Health officers have confirmed a case of measles in a Marathon County resident who contracted the virus whereas touring exterior Wisconsin.

The Marathon County Health Department and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services stated the an infection is unrelated to an ongoing outbreak in southwest Wisconsin. Officials stated there may be at present no recognized public publicity locally.

The particular person is isolating whereas public well being workers conduct contact tracing and routine follow-up investigations.

“Measles is a highly contagious illness, and we are carefully monitoring the situation while working with our partners to support the community,” stated Caitlin Suginaka, Marathon County well being officer.

Officials stated circumstances in different components of Wisconsin point out neighborhood transmission throughout the state. Additional undetected circumstances might exist as a result of some people don’t search testing or medical care.

How measles spreads

Measles spreads by way of airborne respiratory droplets and might linger within the air for as much as two hours after an contaminated particular person coughs or sneezes.

Common signs embody excessive fever, which can exceed 104 levels, runny nostril, cough, and common fatigue, crimson, watery eyes (conjunctivitis), and a crimson, raised rash that begins alongside the hairline earlier than spreading to the torso, arms, and legs three to 5 days after preliminary signs.

Health officers stated measles can result in extreme problems, together with pneumonia, everlasting listening to loss, mind injury and demise. Nationwide information reveals roughly one in 4 unvaccinated people who contract measles require hospitalization.

Anyone experiencing signs ought to name a clinic or medical supplier earlier than arriving so workers can take precautions to keep away from exposing others in ready areas.

Vaccination steerage

Two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine are 97% efficient. The first dose is often administered between 12 and 15 months of age, adopted by a second round age 4.

Adults born in or after 1957 who’ve by no means been vaccinated ought to obtain a minimum of one dose. College college students, worldwide vacationers, and well being care staff ought to obtain two doses a minimum of 28 days aside. Individuals who’re pregnant, caregivers of infants beneath 12 months, or those that can’t obtain the vaccine ought to seek the advice of their physician.

Vaccines can be found by way of major care physicians, native well being departments, and choose pharmacies. Low-cost or free vaccines for eligible youngsters are supplied by way of the Wisconsin Vaccines for Children Program. Residents can confirm their immunization data by way of the Wisconsin Immunization Registry at dhfswir.org .

Where to seek out updates

County updates will probably be posted at marathoncounty.gov/measles. Statewide case totals are maintained on the Wisconsin Department of Health Services web site. Residents with questions also can attain the Marathon County Health Department Measles Resource Line at 715-261-1999.

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