Shawano County health officials announced Friday that a confirmed case of measles was linked to the Weston emergency department of Marshfield Medical Center. The exposure window occurred on Nov. 5 between 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Who is at risk?
People who are not vaccinated against measles—or who are unsure of their vaccination status—are most vulnerable. The Shawano‑Menominee Counties Health Department and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services are actively investigating the incident, identifying anyone who may have been present during the exposure period, and notifying them directly.
What to do if you think you were exposed
If you were in the Weston ER during the specified time frame, or if you suspect you may have been exposed, contact your health‑care provider or local/tribal health department right away. Should symptoms appear, call your doctor before visiting a clinic so proper precautions can be taken to protect other patients.
Recognizing measles symptoms
Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine‑preventable disease that spreads through the air and can linger for up to two hours after an infected person coughs or sneezes. Typical symptoms develop roughly 10‑12 days after exposure (range 7‑21 days) and include:
- Runny nose
- High fever, often above 104°F
- Tiredness
- Cough
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis or “pink eye”)
- A red rash with raised bumps that starts at the hairline and spreads to the arms and legs three to five days after other symptoms begin
If you experience any of these signs, stay home—avoid work, school, shopping, and public transportation—and call your doctor’s office before seeking care.
Vaccination remains the best protection
The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is the most effective safeguard. The Department of Health Services recommends two doses for children: the first between 12‑15 months of age and the second between 4‑6 years, before kindergarten. Adults born before 1957 are presumed immune. All other adults without documented immunity should receive at least one dose of a measles‑containing vaccine.
Wisconsin residents can verify their immunization status through the Wisconsin Immunization Registry, or by contacting their health‑care provider or local health department.
Getting the vaccine locally
The Shawano‑Menominee Counties Health Department offers the MMR vaccine at no cost to uninsured adults and to children eligible for the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, which includes those on BadgerCare, uninsured, or American Indian/Alaskan Native. Call ahead to schedule an appointment. Others should reach out to their health‑care provider or a pharmacy to obtain the vaccine.
Why this matters for our community
Last week an infant in southwest Wisconsin died from measles, and the number of cases across the state is climbing. Prompt identification, notification, and vaccination are essential steps to protect families, schools, and churches in Shawano County.
For more information, visit the Shawano‑Menominee Counties Health Department website or call their main line.
Original reporting: FOX 11 WLUK Green Bay (local) — read the source article.
