GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – The measles outbreak from Disneyland that is spreading across a dozen states, coupled with two cases in nearby states, is forcing Brown County health officials to put out a warning.
While there are currently no cases of measles in Wisconsin, it may not be far off from hitting the Badger State.
“It might be because of how it’s traveling,” said Brown County Health Department Interim Health Officer/Director Chua Xiong. “Now we’ve got cases around us.”
This week, health officials in Minneapolis and suburban Chicago have confirmed cases of the measles.
According to the Brown County Health Department, measles is a highly contagious infection caused by the measles virus. It begins with cold-like symptoms including a cough, runny nose, high temperature and red watery eyes. By the second day after onset, a red blotchy rash appears at the hairline and spreads down the body to the arms and legs.
The rash disappears in the same order of appearance, head to foot in about 5-6 days. Symptoms appear one to two weeks after exposure, which is airborne.
“Measles is transmitted from contact with another person who’s been coughing or sneezing,” said Xiong.
There is no specific treatment for measles. Measles vaccine, usually in combination with measles, mumps and rubella — MMR, is the best protection from measles. Two doses of MMR vaccine normally provide life-long immunity.
Xiong advises people to review your immunization status to make sure you have received 2 doses of MMR.
“The best thing that they can do is talk to their health care provider,” said Xiong. “Not only that, if their child is immuno-compromised in any way that the health care provider is taking a good look at that.”
More information can be found here about measles.
