CONTACT: Stephanie Marquis, DHFS, 608-266-1683
Elizabeth Johnson, Vernon County Health Department, (608) 637-5251 

PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST DISEASE

New Measles Case Confirmed in Vernon County - Health Officials Encouraging Immunization

MADISON - State and local health officials are reminding people to ensure their immunizations are up-to-date. The Vernon County Health Department and the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services today confirmed a measles case involving an unimmunized student at Youth Initiative High School. 

Local and state health officials are working with the individual, family, and school to limit the transmission of the disease. The Vernon County Health Department is working to identify the potential source of the disease, but it is not believe to be associated with the measles cases in southeastern Wisconsin. 

This brings Wisconsin’s total to seven laboratory-confirmed cases of measles, as well as two confirmed cases of rubella. These diseases can be prevented by safe and effective vaccines. 

Many people think immunizations are for children, but there are many diseases that affect adults that can be prevented by vaccines. Immunizations keep people from getting or spreading a disease, as well as reduce needless suffering with illness, pain, and expensive treatments. 

The measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine takes effect after 2-3 weeks and two doses normally provide lifelong immunity. The MMR immunization recommendations are as follows: 

• Children should have two doses: first vaccine at 12-15 months of age, second between 4-6 years of age 
• Adults who unsure about their measles or rubella disease or vaccine history should receive one vaccine 

Most people born before 1957 are probably immune to measles or rubella by having acquired the disease naturally. For most adults born in or after 1957, we are recommending one dose. Those who work in health or child care settings, who attend college, or who travel internationally need two doses. If people are unsure about their measles or rubella disease or vaccine history, it is recommended they be vaccinated. If you have any preexisting conditions or are considered at-risk, please consult with your health care provider for the appropriate immunization schedule.

Vaccines are among the safest medical products available. Some common side effects are a sore arm or low grade fever. As with any medicine, there are very small risks that serious problems could occur after getting a vaccine. However, the potential risks associated with the diseases these vaccines prevent are much greater than the potential risks associated with the vaccines themselves. For more information, go to: Measles or Rubella 

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Last Revised:  May 01, 2008