Public Health Madison & Dane County is investigating a new case of measles in Dane County, separate from a previously confirmed case reported last week in a University of Wisconsin-Madison student. The current case involves an out-of-state traveler who was infectious while staying at a Madison hotel.
The exposure occurred at the Holiday Inn Express, located at 5150 High Crossing Blvd., Madison, WI, between and . Public health officials are working to identify and contact individuals who may have been exposed, but acknowledge they do not have a complete list of potential contacts.
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness. Symptoms typically appear 7 to 21 days after exposure. For those potentially exposed on February 6th, symptoms could begin to develop between and . Early symptoms can resemble a common cold, but measles progresses to include a characteristic rash.
The good news is that measles is largely preventable through vaccination. Individuals who have received two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine are highly unlikely to contract the disease. However, even vaccinated individuals should be vigilant for symptoms.
Those who are considered “unprotected” – meaning they were born in 1957 or later and are either unvaccinated or lack laboratory evidence of immunity – should quarantine starting and continuing through . This quarantine period is based on the incubation period of the virus.
If you believe you may have been exposed and develop symptoms, it is crucial to stay home and avoid contact with others. Do not go to work, school, shopping, or use public transportation. Critically, individuals experiencing symptoms should call their doctor’s office or clinic before visiting, allowing healthcare providers to take necessary precautions to prevent further spread.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides detailed information about measles symptoms, prevention, and treatment on its website. (https://www.cdc.gov/measles/symptoms/signs-symptoms.html)
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) confirms that individuals who received two doses of measles vaccine as children, according to the U.S. Vaccination schedule, are considered protected for life and do not require booster doses. (https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/immunization/measles.htm)
Public Health Madison & Dane County offers free vaccinations to uninsured adults and children, as well as children covered by Medical Assistance. This is an important resource for those who may not have access to affordable vaccination services.
Measles can be a serious illness, particularly for infants and individuals with weakened immune systems. Complications can include pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and even death. Vaccination remains the most effective way to protect yourself and the community from this preventable disease.
Public Health Madison & Dane County encourages anyone with questions about potential exposure or vaccination to contact them directly at health@publichealthmdc.com or by calling (608) 266-4821. Further information is also available on the Public Health website: http://www.publichealthmdc.com/measles.
This investigation underscores the ongoing importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to protect against the re-emergence of preventable diseases like measles. While this new exposure is not linked to the previous case, it serves as a reminder of the virus’s potential to spread, even in communities with generally high vaccination coverage.
