11 measles cases confirmed in Chippewa County
By Ashton Tack
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CHIPPEWA FALLS, Wis. (WKBT) — (WKBT) — The Chippewa County Department of Public Health has confirmed 11 measles cases in Chippewa County residents, according to a release.
At this time, there are no known community exposure locations in the county associated with the confirmed cases. Officials say locations will only be released when individuals who may have been exposed cannot be identified or contacted directly.
“Measles is highly contagious, and we continue to take each confirmed case seriously,” said Chippewa County Health Officer Brittnay Herrick. “Our team is working closely with individuals, healthcare providers, and our partners to identify potential exposures and provide timely guidance. We encourage community members to know their vaccination status, recognize symptoms, and contact their healthcare provider promptly if they develop symptoms or believe they have been exposed.”
Measles is spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or breathes. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area.
Symptoms typically develop 10 to 12 days after exposure but can occur from seven to 21 days after exposure. Symptoms include:
Runny nose High fever (sometimes greater than 104° F) Tiredness Cough Red, watery eyes Rad rash beginning at the hairline and spreading to arms and legs Measles can cause health complications, including pneumonia, brain damage, deafness, and can sometimes be deadly. According to health data, one in five unvaccinated people who contact measles in the United States likely would require hospitalization.
If you think you may have measles, tell your doctor or clinic before your visit so they can take necessary precautions to ensure patient safety.
For more information on measles in Chippewa County, visit the county’s website.
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Ashton Tackatack@wkbt.com