The number of measles cases in Oconto County has reached 23 as of Aug. 29, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and Oconto County Public Health. There have been two hospitalizations reported. All of the reported cases are confirmed cases.
Confirmed measles cases are cases that meet clinical criteria for measles and have been laboratory confirmed or have a direct link to a laboratory-confirmed case by location and time. Probable cases meet the clinical description of measles, but have not been laboratory confirmed or linked to a laboratory-confirmed case.
The ongoing investigation indicates that measles is spreading locally. At this time, the investigation has not identified locations in public settings for which a full list of exposed people cannot be obtained.
Those who are most at risk are those who are not vaccinated or don’t know their vaccination status. If you believe you have been exposed to measles and are not immune, remain at home and monitor for symptoms.
Anyone who develops symptoms of measles should stay home. Do not see other people, including going to work, school, shopping or using public transportation. Call your doctor’s office or clinic before visiting so staff can take precautions so that other patients are not exposed to the virus.
Measles is a highly contagious, serious disease caused by a virus. The virus can be spread through the air and through direct contact with persons who are infected. Unvaccinated young children and other non-immune adults are at highest risk of serious disease from measles.
Most Wisconsinites are vaccinated against measles as children, which provides lifetime immunity. People who have never been vaccinated and are exposed to a person with measles can spread the virus to others in the community, leading to outbreaks.
The best way to prevent measles is to get vaccinated with the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine. Two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles; one dose is about 93% effective.
Symptoms of measles generally start 10–21 days after exposure to the virus and include a runny nose, high fever, tiredness, cough, red and watery eyes, and a red rash with raised bumps that starts at the hairline and moves to the arms and legs three to five days after symptoms begin.
