Protecting against the measles

With a recent confirmed case of measles in the southwest Wisconsin area and contact that patient had in La Crosse and Trempealeau County establishments, Gundersen Health System shares the following steps to take if anyone suspects they were exposed to measles and to prevent the spread of measles.

Get vaccinated. If a person, their child or family member(s) have not received the MMR vaccine (two doses for school-aged children and adults; one dose for preschool-aged children), they should strongly consider making an appointment to be vaccinated. The measles vaccine is considered one of the most effective vaccines that exists; one dose is 93 percent effective in preventing the measles and two doses is 97 percent effective.

Individuals are communicable, or contagious, with the onset of cold-like symptoms including:

- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red eyes
- Fever
- Rash that eventually starts at the hairline and works its way down the body
- Spots inside the mouth.

Staying up to date with immunizations is most important. Additional steps to take to further prevent the spread of diseases include washing hands thoroughly and often, avoiding proximity with those who may be ill and/or infected, and not sharing personal items.