Confirmed Case of Measles in Dane County
Public Health Madison & Dane County reports that there is a confirmed case of measles in Dane County. This case was exposed during international travel and is not related to the case confirmed in Waukesha County last week. Due to privacy concerns, no additional personal identifying or health information will be released by Public Health. The University of Wisconsin-Madison has confirmed the case is someone connected to campus.
“We are working with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) and the University of Wisconsin Madison to identify contacts and will share more information about possible exposures as we know more,” said Janel Heinrich, Director of Public Health Madison & Dane County. “Once all contacts are identified, we will check their immunization status. If they are someone who has not been vaccinated, we require they quarantine and stay home from work or school.”
Our website will be updated to include a list of exposure locations.
Measles is a very contagious virus that spreads easily and rapidly through coughing and sneezing. Simply being in the same room with someone who has measles is enough to become infected if you have not received the measles vaccine.
Measles symptoms begin with a fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes, followed by a rash that usually spread from the head to the rest of the body. Measles can be a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and even death. It can be prevented by the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) immunization.
“The MMR vaccine is very safe and effective and is much safer than getting the disease. This is a good time to check your own and your family member’s immunization records to make sure all have received the recommended doses. You can do this by checking online immunization records or calling your health care provider,” said Heinrich.
Most people got the measles vaccination since two doses are required for school entry. One dose is usually given at 12-15 months of age, and a second dose is given before the start of kindergarten at 4-6 years of age.
Public Health offers free vaccines to uninsured adults and children, and children with Medical Assistance. Vaccination clinics are held in various locations and are by appointment only. Make an appointment online or call 608-266-4821.
