Measles Cases Rise in Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin Department of Health Services announced on Thursday an increase in measles cases in Iowa and Lafayette counties.

The number of confirmed cases has jumped from two on Tuesday to 15 as of Thursday morning, with an additional six probable cases reported.

Measles is a highly contagious illness that spreads through the air, lingering for up to two hours after an infected person coughs or sneezes.

According to data from the DHS, there have been a total of 23 confirmed measles cases in the state since the year began. Notably, around 60% of these cases involve children under the age of 18, and nearly all cases were among unvaccinated individuals, except for one.

Dr. Ryan Westergaard, the chief medical officer for the department’s Bureau of Communicable Diseases, highlighted that tracking exposed individuals can aid in preventing additional cases.

“We anticipate discovering more exposures and possibly additional cases,” Westergaard remarked. “Identifying these cases is beneficial because it provides us with more information to stop the spread.”

A significant hurdle is Wisconsin’s low MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccination rate, as public health experts suggest a 95% coverage to avert outbreaks.

The latest DHS statistics indicate that vaccination rates among those 18 and younger in Iowa and Lafayette counties fall short of this target.

These developments come amid a nationwide increase in measles cases, linked to growing skepticism toward vaccines.

This week, President Trump signed an executive order suggesting the separation of the MMR vaccine into three individual shots. However, DHS Secretary Kirsten Johnson stated that their approach will remain unchanged.

“We are very concerned about the lack of scientific backing in statements from federal officials and the potential consequences for children’s health in our state,” Johnson remarked.

Westergaard noted that surveys show people tend to trust vaccine advice from their healthcare providers more than from government entities.

“I highly recommend consulting your healthcare provider, who understands your personal health and can address your concerns,” he advised.

Residents are encouraged to recognize measles symptoms and to contact a healthcare provider if they experience any, even if they don’t know of a specific exposure. Symptoms typically appear 10 to 21 days post-exposure and may include:

• Runny nose
• High fever (possibly exceeding 104°F)
• Tiredness
• Cough
• Red, watery eyes (also known as conjunctivitis)

A red rash that begins at the hairline and progresses to the arms and legs typically shows up three to five days after the onset of symptoms.

Anyone with symptoms should stay home, avoiding work, school, and public places, and should call a doctor’s office before visiting to prevent exposing others to the virus.

Measles can be effectively prevented through the MMR vaccine.