To: Washburn County Parents and Guardians
Updated: 4/10/2024
The United States is currently experiencing an increase in measles cases and outbreaks. Your child care center and/or school district is utilizing this Washburn County Health Department letter to provide some information about measles and how to prevent it.
Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus. It is one of the most easily spread diseases known. Symptoms usually begin with a cough, runny nose, high fever, and red, watery eyes. A couple of days later, small, white spots may appear inside the mouth, followed by a rash that starts on the face and spreads to the neck, torso, and limbs. Measles can be severe, especially in babies and children ages under 5. It can lead to lifelong brain damage, deafness, and even death. Measles can cause a weakening of the immune system, lasting from weeks to years.
As of March 28, 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports the following for the United States:
· There have been 97 cases of measles. In 2023, there was a total of 58 cases.
· There have been seven outbreaks (3 cases or more). In 2023, there were a total of 4 outbreaks.
· 59% of cases were unvaccinated. 12% of cases received one MMR vaccine. 5% of cases received two MMR vaccine doses. 24% of vaccination status is unknown.
· 52% of cases were under five years of age. 22% were 5 to 19 years of age. 26% of cases were 20+ years of age.
· 54 of the 97 cases were hospitalized (56%), with 68% of those hospitalizations occurring in those under five years of age, 27% in those 5 to 19 years old, and 56% in those 20+ years old.
There is no cure for measles. Two doses of the MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) provide the best protection against disease. The MMR vaccine is recommended routinely in two doses. The first dose is between 12-15 months of age, and the second dose is between 4-6 years of age. In most cases, those who did not receive two doses of the MMR vaccine following this recommended schedule can still get vaccinated.
Washburn County has low vaccination rates among young residents for the MMR vaccine. If measles outbreaks happen in Wisconsin, residents of Washburn County may be at an increased risk. As of March 5TH, 2024, ONLY 71% of children under 24 months in Washburn County have received their first in the series of two MMR immunizations.
Please check your child’s immunization records to ensure they are up-to-date on the MMR vaccine following the recommended schedule. View your child's immunization records by logging into the Wisconsin Immunization Registry (WIR) Public Immunization Record Access or by filling out a WIR Immunization Registry Record Release Authorization form. Washburn County Health Department can assist if you have trouble accessing your child’s immunization records.
If your child needs the MMR vaccine and you have health insurance, please call your local healthcare provider. If your child does not have health insurance, is underinsured, is American Indian or Alaska Native, or has BadgerCare, please contact the Washburn County Health Department to schedule an appointment.
Please use the resources below for more information. Follow the Washburn County Health Department on Facebook and visit our website for additional updates.
Washburn County Health Department: (715) 635-4400 Monday-Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Washburn County Immunizations for Children: https://www.washburncopublichealth.org/immunizations
WIR Public Immunization Records Access: dhfswir.org/PR/clientSearch.do?language=en
WIR Immunization Registry Record Release Authorization: dhs.wisconsin.gov/forms/f02487.pdf
CDC – Measles Cases and Outbreaks: cdc.gov/measles/cases-outbreaks.html
DHS – Measles: dhs.wisconsin.gov/publications/p4/p42174.pdf
