Do I need to worry about measles?

Almost every state surrounding Wisconsin is currently reporting cases of measles. As of March 7, the CDC says there are 45 cases nationwide. While that number may seem low, to put it in context, there were 58 total cases reported in 2023. Another thing to keep in mind is that measles is highly contagious, which means we could see cases climb quickly. Let’s talk about what you should look out for and steps you can take right now to protect yourself and your family.

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases.

The virus is spread easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain in the air and infect people for up to two hours after an infected person is gone. 

Look out for these common symptoms of measles, particularly if you or someone you know has recently traveled to an area reporting cases:

• Fever
• Dry cough
• Runny nose 
• Watery eyes
• Skin rash (typically starts around the head and spreads to the rest of the body)

Because measles is so contagious, stay away from work, school, and other social activities if you start to notice symptoms of measles and call your doctor. Treatment includes rest, fluids, and medicine to treat specific symptoms, like fever. Antibiotics do not help and there are no anti-viral drugs to treat measles.

Measles can be prevented through vaccination.

If you haven’t already, now is the time to make sure your family is protected with their measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) immunization. The measles vaccination is very safe and effective. Two doses are 97% effective at preventing measles if a person is exposed to the virus. One dose is around 93% effective.

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. You can check your immunization records online at the Wisconsin Immunization Registry or call your health care provider to make sure all have received the recommended doses. If you or your family were born before 1957, you don’t need to worry about getting an additional dose now. The reason being that it’s likely you have immunity, likely from already having the disease in your lifetime.

We offer free vaccines to uninsured adults and children, and children with Medical Assistance. Vaccination clinics are held in various locations and are by appointment only. You can make an appointment online or over the phone by calling (608) 266-4821.

So, with all of this in mind, how concerned should you be?

While many people who contract measles will have symptoms that go away on their own, that’s not the case for everyone. As many as 1 in 5 unvaccinated people who contract measles end up hospitalized with complications, according to the CDC. Even people who are previously healthy can experience severe complications like ear infection, pneumonia, and encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain. 

If you aren’t vaccinated and are exposed to measles, you could be quarantined for 7-21 days after exposure, meaning missed school or work. Another reason to prioritize making that appointment to get vaccinated.

The bottom line is, be aware and understand the symptoms, know your family’s measles vaccination status, and get vaccinated if you aren’t already. 

Our measles webpage will be updated should any people be diagnosed with measles in Wisconsin.