Wisconsin Now Has Two Separate Measles Situations At The Same Time

MARATHON COUNTY, WI — The Wisconsin Department of Health Services and the Marathon County Health Department have confirmed a new measles case in a Marathon County resident, and officials say it is separate from the outbreak already spreading in southwest Wisconsin.

Officials said the person was exposed to the virus during out of state travel. Investigators are working to identify and notify anyone who may have been exposed in Marathon County, and as of now no public exposure locations have been identified.

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Citing privacy concerns, DHS said it will not release additional personal or health information about the patient.

The new case comes as Wisconsin's other measles situation keeps growing.

The outbreak centered in Grant, Iowa and Lafayette counties has reached 155 confirmed and six probable cases as of Sept. 11, up from 110 total statewide cases just 10 days earlier on Sept. 1.

The state's full year total now stands at 163 cases, and DHS says 99 percent of those infected were unvaccinated.

The rapid spread has drawn attention beyond Wisconsin's borders.

In northern Illinois, the Kane County Health Department has warned residents who traveled to southwest Wisconsin, including over Labor Day weekend, to watch for symptoms.

Health officials in both states are urging residents to check their vaccination records.

Two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine are about 97 percent effective at preventing the disease. People born before 1957 are generally considered immune. Adults without documented immunity should have at least one dose, and children should receive two.

Measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air, where it can linger for up to two hours after an infected person coughs or sneezes.

The virus can cause serious complications, including pneumonia, brain damage and deafness, and can be fatal in some cases. Symptoms typically appear 10 to 21 days after exposure and can include a high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and a rash that usually starts at the hairline before spreading to the rest of the body.

Anyone who develops symptoms should stay home from work, school and public places and call a doctor's office or clinic before arriving so staff can take precautions to protect other patients. People who are unvaccinated and identified as contacts of a confirmed case may be placed under quarantine and should follow guidance from public health officials.

Wisconsin residents can check their vaccination status through the Wisconsin Immunization Registry or by contacting a health care provider or local health department.

Those who need to get vaccinated can do so through a regular provider, local clinic or pharmacy, and can call 211 for free, confidential help finding one.

Marathon County residents with questions can call the county's Measles Resource Line at 715-261-1999.