Measles

Measles | Chippewa County, WI

Measles | Chippewa County, WI Skip to Main Content Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. Website Sign In Home Government Public Health Your Health Measles Measles Protect yourself. Protect your family. Know the facts about measles. Measles is a highly contagious disease that can cause serious health complications. Staying up to date on measles vaccinations is the best way to protect yourself and your family. Think You Have Measles? Stay home and avoid contact with others. Call your health care provider before visiting a clinic or other health care facility so staff can take precautions to protect others. After Hours Contact: Call 715-726-7900 for Public Health emergencies and notifiable or reportable conditions, including: Public Health Emergencies Communicable Disease Outbreaks Environmental Health Hazards Bioterrorism Incidents Measles Updates To view local measles case counts, select Chippewa County on the map below. For current Wisconsin case counts, visit Wisconsin Measles Updates and Case Counts. Measles Exposure What Counts as an Exposure? You may have been exposed if you shared an indoor space with someone who had measles while they were contagious, or entered that space within two hours after they left. What to Do If You Were Exposed Contact your healthcare provider or local health department. Monitor yourself for symptoms. Follow guidance about testing, vaccination, and limiting contact with others. If symptoms develop, stay home and call before visiting a health care facility. Exposed to Measles: What You Need to Know (PDF) Measles Symptoms Symptoms usually start 10–12 days after exposure, but they can appear anywhere from 7–21 days after exposure. A rash usually develops about 14 days after exposure. Common Symptoms High fever, which may spike to more than 104°F Cough Runny nose Red and/or watery eyes Rash, breaks out 3–5 days after symptoms begin When Measles Is Contagious People with measles can spread the virus from four days before the rash appears through four days afterward. This means someone can spread measles before they know they have it. What to Do If You Have Symptoms? Stay home and avoid others.Do not go to work, school, shopping, or other public places. Avoid contact with individuals who may be at higher risk of complications. Call you healthcare provider.Tell the staff that you may have measles and whether you have had a known exposure. Calling ahead helps them protect other patients and staff. Follow medical guidance.Your provider or Public Health will explain next steps, including testing and how long to stay home. Protect Yourself and Your Family The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best protection against measles. Two doses are approximately 97% effective at preventing measles. Vaccination also helps protect people around you, including those who cannot receive the vaccine. Recommended Vaccination Schedule Children: First dose at 12–15 months and second dose at 4–6 years. Adults: Recommendations depend on vaccination history, evidence of immunity and risk factors. International travelers: Talk with your provider before traveling. Infants and other travelers may need earlier or additional doses. During an outbreak, Public Health may recommend earlier vaccination for certain groups. Ask your provider or Public Health whether this applies to you or your family. Check Your Vaccination Records Not sure whether you or your child has received the MMR vaccine? You can: Contact your health care provider. Check your Wisconsin Immunization Registry records. Contact Chippewa County Department of Public Health with questions about vaccination services. Some records may be missing from the Wisconsin Immunization Registry (WIR). Older vaccinations and vaccines received outside Wisconsin may not appear unless they were entered into the registry. If you cannot find your records, your provider can help determine the next step. Special Vaccine Considerations Infants Younger Than 12 MonthsInfants ages 6–11 months may receive an early MMR dose before travel or during certain outbreaks. A dose given before the first birthday does not replace the two routine doses given afterward. People Who Are Pregnant or Planning a PregnancyMMR should not be given during pregnancy. Talk with your provider about vaccination before pregnancy or after delivery. People With Weakened Immune SystemsSome people with weakened immune systems should not receive MMR. Your provider can help determine the safest way to protect you. If someone in these groups may have been exposed, contact a provider promptly, even without symptoms. Get Vaccinated in Chippewa County Chippewa County Department of Public Health offers immunization services for eligible children and adults, including measles vaccination. Eligibility and Cost Vaccination may be available at no cost for eligible residents. Eligibility and vaccine availability vary. Residents with insurance coverage for vaccines should generally contact their health care provider. Schedule an Appointment Immunization services are available by appointment. Contact us to discuss eligibility, check vaccine availability and schedule your visit. Chippewa County Department of Public Health711 N. Bridge St., Room 121Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 Phone: 715-726-7900 If you have measles symptoms or think you were exposed, tell staff when you call and before coming to the office. Frequently Asked Questions What is Measles and How Does it Spread? Measles is caused by a virus that spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after that person leaves. Measles can cause serious complications, including: Pneumonia, an infection of the lungs. Encephalitis, swelling of the brain that can cause lasting damage or hearing loss. Death in some cases. Young children, pregnant people and people with weakened immune systems are among those at greater risk of serious complications. Is the MMR Vaccine Safe? The MMR vaccine has a strong safety record. Side effects are usually mild, such as a sore arm, fever or mild rash. Serious side effects are rare. Talk with your health care provider about your questions, medical history and what to expect after vaccination. Can Someone Who is Vaccinated Still Get Measles? Yes, but it is uncommon. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are approximately 97% effective at preventing measles. When vaccinated people get measles, their illness is generally milder. Do I Need a Measles Booster? What If I Cannot Find My Vaccination Records? Start by contacting your provider or checking the Wisconsin Immunization Registry. Some older or out-of-state records may be missing. If you cannot find your records, your provider can help determine whether vaccination is recommended. More Information and Resources Wisconsin DHS Measles Information and Updates CDC Measles Symptoms and Complications CDC Measles Vaccination Information Government Websites by CivicPlus® Loading Loading Do Not Show Again Close Arrow Left Arrow Right [] Slideshow Left Arrow Slideshow Right Arrow