Measles Confirmed in Dane County: What Our Community Needs to Know

Why This Matters

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and the virus can linger in a room for up to two hours after the person leaves. If you’re unvaccinated and exposed, there’s up to a 90% chance you’ll get infected.

While many people think of measles as a mild childhood illness, it can be serious. One in four people who get measles in the U.S. end up hospitalized, and complications can include pneumonia, brain damage, and even death.

Symptoms to Watch For

Symptoms typically appear 10 to 21 days after exposure and include:

• High fever (sometimes over 104°F)
• Runny nose and cough
• Red, watery eyes
• Tiredness
• A red rash with raised bumps that starts at the hairline and spreads downward, appearing 3-5 days after other symptoms begin

If you develop these symptoms, stay home and call your healthcare provider before going in. This helps protect other patients from exposure.

Check Your Vaccination Status

The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is 97% effective with two doses. Here’s who needs it:

• Children should receive two doses (typically at 12-15 months and 4-6 years)
• Adults born in 1957 or later should have at least one dose unless they have lab-confirmed immunity
• People born before 1957 are generally considered immune

Not sure if you’re protected? Wisconsin residents can check the Wisconsin Immunization Registry or contact your healthcare provider.