Green Lake County has confirmed 5 cases of measles. The cases are linked to a laboratory confirmed case in another Wisconsin county.
All confirmed and suspected cases so far have been among people who were not vaccinated against the measles. Known exposures have been limited to private gatherings, and no public exposure cases have been identified at this time.
Green Lake County Health is continuing to investigate the cases, identify people who may have been exposed, and notify them directly. People who are at most risk are those who are not vaccinated or don’t know their vaccination status.
If you are unsure if you are vaccinated against measles, contact your health care provider or check Wisconsin Immunization Registry by visiting www.dhfswir.org.
Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine preventable disease. Symptoms of measles typically appear 10 to 12 days after exposure with a range of 7 to 21 days. Symptoms include; a runny nose, high fever, tiredness, cough, red watery eyes or pink eye, and a red rash with raised bumps that starts at the hairline and moves to the arms and legs three to five days after symptoms begin.
The Green Lake County Health Department is providing MMR vaccines to the following individuals; Adults who are underinsured, Adults or Children without insurance, and Children with Badgercare.
Bob Nelson is News Director in Ripon, and the voice of newscasts on WRPN and WAUH. Email him at bob.nelson@civicmedia.us.