Nine cases of measles have been confirmed in Oconto County, Wisconsin, according to state health officials. The first reported cases this year, they were identified after a common source of exposure during out-of-state travel. Health authorities stress that the risk to the community remains low, as no public points of exposure have been found.
Measles is highly contagious and can spread through the air. Unvaccinated individuals are at higher risk of infection, with up to 90% chance of getting infected if exposed. Symptoms appear within 10-21 days after exposure and include a runny nose, high fever, cough, red eyes, rash, and raised bumps.
The state health department recommends two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine for all adults without proof of immunity, while children should receive two doses. Wisconsin’s vaccination rate is among the lowest in the country, with 81% of 2-year-olds vaccinated as of 2023.
Health experts warn that a high percentage of the population needs to be vaccinated to prevent outbreaks, currently hovering around 95-98%. With three deaths reported nationwide and over 169 hospitalizations this year, measles remains a significant public health concern.
Source: https://www.wpr.org/news/wisconsin-measles-oconto-county-vaccines