Wisconsin health officials are investigating five probable measles cases in Rock County. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services and Rock County Public Health say the cases are linked to one another, but have not been confirmed through laboratory testing. Officials say they are not connected to the ongoing measles outbreak in southwestern Wisconsin, and the source of infection remains unknown.
Public health officials say no public exposure notifications are currently needed because people who may have been exposed have been identified for direct follow-up.
Since August, confirmed measles cases have also been reported in Chippewa, Grant, Iowa, Lafayette, Marathon and Vernon counties.
Measles is highly contagious and can cause serious complications, including pneumonia and brain damage. Symptoms typically appear 10 to 21 days after exposure and can include fever, cough, a runny nose, red eyes and a rash. Health officials urge anyone who develops symptoms to call their health care provider, even if they are unaware of a possible exposure.
More information is available through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services measles dashboard and website.