Current Measles and Rubella Outbreak Information
As of April 30, 2008, the City of Milwaukee Health Department (MHD) knows of 7 confirmed measles cases in Wisconsin and 2 confirmed cases of rubella in Waukesha County.
Confirmed Measles Cases by County
Confirmed Rubella Cases by County
County Cases Waukesha 2
Measles and rubella are serious and highly contagious viral diseases that can be prevented by routine childhood vaccination. The measles and rubella vaccines are safe and effective and are usually given in combination with mumps vaccine (MMR). The MMR vaccination is required for school/childcare attendance. Children should receive two doses of MMR (at 12-15 months and 4-6 years). Unvaccinated adults should also receive two doses of MMR.
Please click the links below for additional information.
May 9, 2008: MHD media advisory on weekend clinics for 5/10May 5, 2008: Testing and transport instructions for measles specimens for Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene (WSLH)May 2, 2008: MHD media advisory on weekend clinics for 5/3May 1, 2008: CDC Article on measles in the US between January-April 2008April 25, 2008: press release on 2nd rubella case from MHD and partner agenciesApril 25, 2008: MHD media advisory on weekend clinics for 4/26April 23, 2008: MHD press releaseApril 21, 2008: MHD press releaseApril 18, 2008 NEW: Guidance for Health Professionals: Measles Case and Contact Management and Vaccine Use Updated 4/17/08April 16, 2008 media advisory from the MHDWisconsin Division of Public Health Rubella Fact SheetApril 15, 2008 MHD/Waukesha County Media AdvisoryApril 12, 2008 MHD press releaseApril 11, 2008 MHD script for auto-dialed calls to Milwaukee childcare facilitiesApril 11, 2008 State of Wisconsin Immunization Program Measles InformationApril 10, 2008 MHD press releaseApril 9, 2008 press release from the MHDApril 7, 2008 press release from the MHDApril 7, 2008 press release from the Milwaukee Waukesha County Consortium for Emergency Public Health PreparednessMEASLES fact sheet from the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family ServicesApril 2, 2008 CDC Health Advisory
General Measles InformationMeasles disease is caused by the measles virus. The virus can travel easily through the air. Being in the same building as somebody with measles is enough to become infected. About 10-12 days after exposure, fever, cough, runny nose, and watery red eyes may appear. Around the same time, red spots with white centers may show up inside the mouth. Several weeks after the start of the symptoms, a full-body rash will appear. This red/brown blotchy rash generally starts at the forehead and then spreads to the face, neck, body, and feet. The rash can last for 5-6 days. Sometimes, measles can cause diarrhea, ear infection, and/or pneumonia. In rare cases, measles can lead to seizures and even death. Measles is usually more serious in adults than in children. Having measles while you are pregnant raises the risk of a miscarriage.
General Rubella InformationRubella is a contagious viral illness, spread by coughing and sneezing. Signs and symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain and swollen glands. Rubella illness is milder than measles in children and adults. However, it poses the greatest threat to pregnant women in their first trimester: if disease is contracted, they have a 90% chance that their child will be born blind, deaf, mentally retarded or with a major birth defect.
Resources: Measles-What You Need To Know Kids Health: Measles Vaccines: What You Need To Know. Measles, Mumps, & Rubella
MHD Guidance for Health Professionals: Measles Case and Contact Management and Vaccine Use
Visit the State of Wisconsin Immunization Program Website for Measles Vaccination Guidelines and related information. Confirmed or suspected cases of measles must be reported within 24 hours. In Milwaukee County, cases should be reported to MHD SurvNet at (414) 286-3624 [phone] or (414) 286-0280 [fax].
This site is powered by the Northwoods Titan Content Management System