First Case of Measles Since
1996 Reported in Eau Claire
MADISON, WI (April 12, 2005) - The Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services (WDHFS) has announced today that a case of measles (rubeola) has been reported in an adult male from the Eau Claire area. The individual had been traveling in Europe during the period in which he was infected.
The case has been laboratory confirmed, and health care and public health workers are following up with people who came in contact with the patient to provide immunization, if necessary, and to watch for signs and symptoms of disease. No additional cases have been identified as of this date.
"This case of measles demonstrates yet again the importance of maintaining high immunization levels, particularly among all children and the health care providers who come in contact with them," said Herb Bostrom, State Health Officer with the Division of Public Health
"The disease has been eliminated from Wisconsin, with the last cases occurring in 1996. The few cases since then have been contracted while the individual had been travelling away from the country. It is important to remember that measles commonly occurs in many parts of the world and contact with the disease is only a plane ride away."
According to data from the World Health Organization, 8 percent of countries worldwide do not provide measles vaccine. With no protection from vaccination, disease outbreaks will continue to occur in those countries.
Measles is a serious disease that causes a cough, high fever and rash. Its complications can include pneumonia, encephalitis, hearing loss, and even death.
WDHFS suggests that all children should be vaccinated twice against measles, mumps and rubella with a vaccine called MMR (for Measles Mumps Rubella). The first dose should be given at 12-15 months of age and the second when the child begins attending school. Parents are urged to contact their health care provider or local public health department if immunization is needed.
Adults planning foreign travel should be sure that they are protected against measles, as well as other vaccine preventable diseases they may encounter in other countries, such as rubella. Information about immunizations needed by travelers can be found on the web site for the U.S Public Health Service, Centers For Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/travel/.
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