BARRON COUNTY, Wis. -- A measles outbreak is going on in Minnesota. Measles cases are showing up mostly in unvaccinated children ages 0 to 5 years old in Hennepin County. However, measles cases have recently been reported in Ramsey and Crow Wing counties. Measles is very easily spread between someone with the illness and those around that person who are not immunized for measles.
“There are no reported cases of measles in Barron County or Wisconsin as of May 5. However, many people travel to the Twin Cities and back home every day so the risk to us is very real,” states Laura Sauve, Health Officer. “We need everyone to help us prevent this disease. Make sure you have your measles immunizations and get your children vaccinated. The measles, mumps and rubella -MMR shot is very good at preventing this disease and it is proven to be safe.”
Measles is a disease caused by the measles virus. Because measles is caused by a virus, there is no treatment that will stop it once you start having symptoms. Getting vaccinated with two doses of Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine will prevent the illness about 97% of the time.
Measles often starts with fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, and sore throat. It is followed by a rash that spreads over the body. Measles can lead to serious side effects, including hospitalization and death. If you believe you have been exposed to measles and are having any signs or symptoms, stay home and contact your doctor or public health.
“Children under 1 year old and some people with allergies and health conditions cannot get the vaccine,” reports Sauve. “We need everyone who is able to get the MMR vaccine to get it to protect loved ones and neighbors from this illness.”
Children are usually vaccinated once at 1 year old and again at 4-6 years old. If you child has not been vaccinated, get them vaccinated now. Adults born after 1957 who have never had measles or never been vaccinated for measles should get vaccinated now. There are free vaccines available for children and most insurance plans will cover vaccinations. If you don’t have insurance or are unable to pay for vaccines, check with your doctor or Barron County Public Health to see if you qualify for free vaccines.
Measles is can be a very serious disease, but it is preventable. Get vaccinated. Talk to your family, friends, and colleagues about the importance of getting the MMR vaccine. For more information go to CDC.gov/measles or contact Barron County Public Health: 715-537-5691, extension 6442 or email: health@co.barron.wi.us.
Last Update: May 05, 2017 1:58 pm CDT
