Measles Alert

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has issued a Health Alert as there have been two locally acquired measles cases identified in Southwest Wisconsin (Lafayette and Iowa Counties). See: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WIDHS/bulletins/4247ad5

Quick points:

• Measles is highly contagious; any suspected case should be reported immediately to public health
  • Suspect cases should be isolated from other clinic patients
• Incubation (10-12) is followed by prodrome (2-4 days) of fever, cough, conjunctivitis, and coryza
  • Rash typically occurs 14 days after exposure
• Measles can lead to significant short-term and long-tern medical consequences
• Measles is highly preventable with MMR, a safe and effective vaccine
• Receipt of MMR vaccine within 72 hours after exposure can prevent or greatly reduce symptoms in unvaccinated individuals
  • High-risk individuals who cannot receive a live virus vaccine may be protected using immune globulin
  • For complete guidance, refer to: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr6204a1.htm
• Measles is expensive; a recent study from New Mexico indicated a cost of $53,522 per case

This information is provided by Jon Temte, MD, PhD; Chair, Wisconsin Council on Immunization Practices; Professor, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.