The Wisconsin Department of Health Services and Marathon County Health Department have confirmed a case of measles in a Marathon County resident.
Health officials say the person was exposed during out-of-state travel, and the case is not connected to the ongoing measles outbreak in southwest Wisconsin.
The investigation is continuing, and health officials are working to identify anyone who may have been exposed. No public exposure locations have been identified at this time.
Measles is highly contagious and can spread through the air. Symptoms usually appear 10 to 21 days after exposure and can include a runny nose, high fever, cough, tiredness, red or watery eyes, and a red rash that typically begins near the hairline and spreads to the arms and legs.
Anyone who develops symptoms should stay home and call their health care provider before going to a clinic or doctor’s office, so precautions can be taken to protect others.
DHS says measles can be prevented with the MMR vaccine, and two doses are about 97 percent effective at preventing measles.
Wisconsin residents can check their vaccination records through the Wisconsin Immunization Registry or contact their health care provider or local health department.
Marathon County residents with questions can call the Marathon County Health Department Measles Resource Line at 715-261-1999.
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