Measles Case Confirmed in Marathon County
A resident of Marathon County has been diagnosed with measles after exposure while traveling outside of Wisconsin, according to an announcement from the Marathon County Health Department. This case was confirmed in collaboration with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS).
Key Details:
- Isolation: The individual is currently isolating, and public health officials are conducting routine follow-ups.
- No Public Exposure: The health department has stated there is no known public exposure related to this case.
- Investigation Ongoing: The county is investigating further and will inform the public if any exposure is identified.
Caitlin Suginaka, health officer for the Marathon County Health Department, emphasized the contagious nature of measles, urging community vigilance.
Current State of Outbreaks:
This case comes amid a resurgence of measles in Wisconsin’s southwestern region, where local outbreaks have been reported. As of early September, there were 151 confirmed measles cases in Grant, Iowa, and Lafayette counties, mainly affecting unvaccinated individuals.
Symptoms of Measles:
People are advised to be aware of the following symptoms:
- Runny nose
- High fever (possibly exceeding 104°F)
- Tiredness
- Cough
- Red, watery eyes
- A red rash, beginning at the hairline and spreading to limbs after several days
Vaccination Recommendations:
Health officials highlight the importance of vaccination as the best defense against measles:
- Children: Two doses of the MMR vaccine are recommended – the first between 12 to 15 months, the second at around 4 years.
- Adults: Those born in or after 1957 and who are unvaccinated should receive at least one dose.
Resources:
Residents can verify their vaccination status through the Wisconsin Immunization Registry. Vaccines are available from local health providers, departments, and certain pharmacies.
Stay Updated:
For ongoing updates regarding measles in Marathon County, refer to the health department’s social media and website:
- Marathon County Measles Updates
- For further information, call the Marathon County Health Department Measles Resource Line at 715-261-1999.
