Crawford County Public Health, Crossings Rivers Health Provide Measles Guidance
CRAWFORD COUNTY, WI — With measles cases reported in neighboring counties, Crawford County Public Health and Crossing Rivers Health are working together to help community members understand how to prevent measles, recognize symptoms, and seek guidance and care.
Public Health staff along with Crossing Rivers Health providers, nurses, and infection prevention specialists are coordinating to share timely information and protect patients, the broader community, and healthcare workers.
“Measles spreads very easily, but vaccination provides strong protection,” said Steven Perkins, DO, provider at Crossing Rivers Health Clinic. “We encourage families to review their vaccination records and know their status. If you’re concerned about an exposure or symptoms you may be experiencing, we urge you to call your healthcare provider before arriving for care. Calling ahead helps us provide the right care while protecting other patients and staff.”
How to Prevent the Measles
“The most effective way to prevent measles is vaccination,” said Sonya Lenzendorf, Crawford County Health Officer. “The MMR vaccine is safe and highly effective. Children should receive two doses, with the first typically given at 12 to 15 months and the second at 4 to 6 years.”
Two doses of MMR vaccine provide approximately 97% protection against measles. Adults who are unsure of their immunity or vaccination status should talk with their healthcare provider about their options. People born before 1957 are generally considered immune.
Community members can check their vaccination history through the Wisconsin Immunization Registry https://www.dhfswir.org/PR/clientSearch.do?language=en or contact their healthcare provider or local health department.
Recognize the Symptoms
Measles symptoms typically appear 7 to 21 days after exposure and may include:
High fever, sometimes greater than 104°F
Cough
Runny nose
Red, watery eyes
Tiredness
A red, raised rash that typically begins at the hairline and spreads to the arms and legs three to five days after symptoms begin
“Measles is highly contagious and can cause serious illness,” said Lenzendorf. “The virus can spread through the air and can remain in an area for up to two hours after an infected person leaves. People who are not immune and are exposed to measles have a very high likelihood of becoming infected.”
Measles can lead to complications including pneumonia, brain swelling, hearing loss, and hospitalization. Infants, children, pregnant individuals, and people with weakened immune systems are at greater risk for severe illness.
Seek Guidance and Care
Anyone who believes they may have been exposed to measles should contact their healthcare provider or local health department as soon as possible for individualized guidance.
If symptoms develop, please call ahead to your healthcare provider before going to a clinic, urgent care, or emergency department. Calling ahead allows healthcare teams to make appropriate arrangements and reduce the risk of exposing other patients and staff.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or contact the Emergency Department before arrival and tell the care team about a possible measles exposure. Do not delay emergency medical care when it is needed.
Crawford County Public Health and Crossing Rivers Health will continue to monitor the situation and share updated guidance as information becomes available.
For current measles information and public health guidance, visit the Wisconsin Department of Health Services’ measles information page https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/immunization/measles.htm.
