Measles case in Dane County, DHS investigating possible exposures
MADISON, Wis. - The Wisconsin Department of Health Services confirmed a case of measles in a person living in Dane County, and said that person traveled to other parts of the state.
THe DHS, in coordination with Public Health Madison & Dane County and Rock County Public Health, are working to identify and notify people who may have been exposed to the measles virus.
The investigation has identified the following exposure locations in public settings for which a full list of exposed people cannot be obtained. Individuals who were at the following locations may have been exposed to measles:
- Kwik Trip, 603 W Madison Ave. Milton, WI, on Sunday April 21, 2024, between 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m.
- SSM Health Dean Medical Group – Janesville, 3200 E. Racine St., Janesville, WI, on Monday, April 22, 2024 between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.
- SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – Janesville, 3400 E. Racine St., Janesville, WI, on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
- uBreakiFix, 2810 E. Washington Ave., Madison, WI on Monday, April 22, 2024, between 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
- Noodles and Co., 110 Limestone Pass, Cottage Grove, WI on Monday, April 22, 2024, between 5:15 p.m. and 7:45 p.m.
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According to DHS, cases of measles have been rare in Wisconsin due to high vaccination rates, but measles is highly contagious and can cause serious health complications for those who are not vaccinated. The DHS said the best way to protect yourself from measles is to get the measles vaccine (MMR). Two doses of the measles vaccine are 97% effective at preventing the disease.
Wisconsin residents can find their immunization records using the Wisconsin Immunization Registry (WIR). Instructions are available in English, Spanish, and Hmong. If you are unable to access your records, please contact your doctor's office or your local health department.
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So far this year, more than 110 measles cases have been reported in the U.S., according to the CDC.
If you are not up to date with the MMR vaccine, DHS says getting the MMR vaccine within 72 hours of being exposed to measles may give some protection against the disease, or you could have a milder illness. The MMR vaccine is available at area doctor's offices or clinics, local health departments, and some local pharmacies.
If you do not have health insurance, or your insurance may not cover vaccines, the vaccines for children and vaccines for adults programs may be able to help.
If you think you have measles, please call your local doctor's office or clinic before visiting a location. For free, confidential assistance finding a doctor or community clinic near you, dial 211.