Measles Case Confirmed in Marathon County, Wisconsin
WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) – A case of measles has been confirmed in a resident of Marathon County who contracted the virus while traveling outside Wisconsin. Health officials from both the Marathon County Health Department and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services confirm the infection is unrelated to an ongoing outbreak in southwest Wisconsin. Currently, there is no known public exposure in the community.
The infected individual is in isolation while public health staff conduct contact tracing and follow-up investigations. “Measles is a highly contagious illness, and we are carefully monitoring the situation while working with our partners to support the community,” stated Caitlin Suginaka, the health officer for Marathon County.
Understanding Measles Transmission
Measles spreads through airborne respiratory droplets and can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person coughs or sneezes. Common symptoms include:
- High fever (which may exceed 104 degrees)
- Runny nose
- Cough and general fatigue
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
- A red, raised rash that spreads from the hairline to the torso, arms, and legs three to five days after initial symptoms.
Health officials stress that measles can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, permanent hearing loss, brain damage, and death. National data shows that approximately one in four unvaccinated individuals who contract measles will require hospitalization.
Anyone experiencing symptoms is advised to call a clinic or healthcare provider before arriving to prevent exposure to others in waiting areas.
Vaccination Recommendations
To prevent measles, two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine are 97% effective. The vaccination schedule is as follows:
- First dose: between 12 and 15 months
- Second dose: around age 4
Adults born in or after 1957 who have never been vaccinated should receive at least one dose. College students, international travelers, and healthcare workers are recommended to receive two doses, spaced at least 28 days apart.
Vaccines are available through:
- Primary care physicians
- Local health departments
- Select pharmacies
Low-cost or free vaccines for eligible children are offered through the Wisconsin Vaccines for Children Program. Residents can verify their immunization records using the Wisconsin Immunization Registry at dhfswir.org.
Where to Find Updates
County updates regarding measles can be found at marathoncounty.gov/measles. For statewide case totals, visit the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website. Residents with questions can reach the Marathon County Health Department Measles Resource Line at 715-261-1999.
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