PHOTO: Courtesy of WLUK
(WTAQ-WLUK) — Fox Valley health officials are asking residents to be prepared for the NFL Draft amid a measles outbreak across the country.
The city of Appleton Department of Public Health, Calumet County Public Health Division, the City of Menasha Health Department, Outagamie County Public Health, and Winnebago County Public Health are jointly recommending all people who live locally or will be visiting during the NFL Draft to check their protection against the measles virus.
The NFL Draft is expected to bring tens of thousands of people from across the country to Northeast Wisconsin. This includes people from areas with outbreaks of measles.
“Measles spreads very quickly and is one of the most contagious diseases,” said Kristine Hutter, Health Officer for the city of Menasha Health Department. “If they are not vaccinated or have not previously had measles, 9 out of 10 people who are around someone who has measles will become infected. A person infected with measles can spread the virus to others four days before and up to four days after the rash develops”.
Measles spreads through coughing and sneezing. The virus can remain in the air and infect people for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a place.
Measles symptoms begin with a fever, cough, runny nose, and red and swollen eyes. A rash then develops that usually spreads from the head to the rest of the body. Measles can cause more serious symptoms, especially in babies, pregnant women and people who are already sick. Complications include ear infection, pneumonia, and encephalitis, inflammation of the brain.
“If you suspect you or your child might have measles or have been exposed, call your healthcare provider or healthcare facility before arriving,” said Doug Gieryn, Health Officer for Winnebago County Public Health. “This will help staff prepare for your arrival and create a safe environment for everyone.”
As of April 10, the CDC reports 712 confirmed measles cases, affecting children and adults, in 24 states and New York City. At this time, there are no reported cases in the state of Wisconsin. The CDC reports 97% of confirmed cases this year are among people who are not vaccinated against measles or have an unknown vaccination status.
“Measles can be prevented through vaccination,” said Natalie Vandeveld, Health Officer for Outagamie Public Health. “Two doses are 97% effective at preventing measles and one dose is around 93% effective.”
The measles vaccine is part of the Mumps, Measles, Rubella (MMR) combination vaccine. One dose is usually given at 12-15 months of age. A second dose is given before the start of kindergarten at 4-6 years of age.
You can check your immunization records online at the Wisconsin Immunization Registry or call your health care provider to make sure you have received the recommended doses. There is no national organization that maintains vaccination records.
Out-of-state visitors should check with their state health departments to see if they maintain a vaccination registry.
Someone is considered immune to measles if they:
Were born before 1957, OR
Have laboratory proof of immunity, OR
Have documentation of adequate MMR vaccination
Some local health departments offer free vaccines to uninsured children and children with Medical Assistance as well as for some adults who are eligible.
Call your local health department for more information or to make an appointment.
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