Wisconsin DHS: Measles case confirmed in Dane County resident

 

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has identified a confirmed case of measles in a Dane County resident. 

Privacy laws prevent the Wisconsin Department of Health Services from revealing much about the case. We know it's an adult in Madison who works in Rock County, and we know the person recently traveled within the 50 states.

DHS is now saying anyone at these locations might have been exposed to the measles: 

• Kwik Trip, 603 W Madison Ave. Milton, WI, on Sunday April 21, 2024, between 2:30 and 5 pm
• SSM Health Dean Medical Group - Janesville, 3200 E. Racine St., Janesville, WI, on Monday, April 22, 2024 between 1 and 5 pm, and SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – Janesville, 3400 E. Racine St., Janesville, WI, on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, between 8 am and 6 pm
• uBreakiFix, 2810 E. Washington Ave., Madison, WI on Monday, April 22, 2024, between 5 and 7:30 pm
• Noodles and Co., 110 Limestone Pass, Cottage Grove, WI on Monday, April 22, 2024, between 5:15 and 7:45 pm

"An individual with measles is considered infectious for a total of nine days, so and some of that is before the rash appears," said Dr. Stephanie Schauer, Wisconsin Immunization Program Manager, Department of Health Services.

The recent rise in measles cases nationwide is something that hasn't been seen in years.

"And you know we've got more measles cases in the U.S. already on April 26, more cases by this time of year than we had the entire year last year," said Dr. Jim Conway, Medical Director, UW Health Immunization Programs.

Dr. Jim Conway says measles can linger in the air for hours.

"So, people that are coughing and sneezing shed droplets that then can be picked up by other people. It's probably the most contagious thing on the planet currently," said Dr. Conway.

In 2023, only one person got the measles in Wisconsin.

"It usually starts with fever and kind of runny nose. People will often have red eyes or what we call conjunctivitis, and then develop a rash usually that starts around the head and neck and then spreads slowly down the body. It's a very unique rash in that it's very lacy and sort of flat in most people," said Dr. Conway.

It typically takes eight to 12 days for symptoms to appear after exposure.

"If you think you're coming down with measles, we encourage you to phone ahead to your health care provider. It's important that they know you're coming so that they can take the proper precautions," said Dr. Schauer.

Doctors recommend the MMR vaccine. It's typically given during early childhood. Dr. Conway says the MMR vaccine wasn't routinely recommended until 1983, and that second doses of the MMR vaccine didn't start until 1989.

"You know if people have any question about whether they are immunized, there's never anything wrong with just getting an extra dose," said Dr. Conway.

If you grew up in this state, you can check the Wisconsin Immunization Registry online here.

Measles is considered a serious respiratory virus. One in four will require hospitalization, and doctors say measles can lead to pneumonia as well as complications in the central nervous system.

Click here for more information from the DHS.