Fox Cities News

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a health advisory following an increase in measles cases across the United States. As of February 27, 2025, there have been 164 reported cases in nine jurisdictions. This development comes after the first U.S. measles-related death in a decade was recorded in Texas, marking the state's largest outbreak in 30 years.

Measles is known for its high contagion rate despite the availability of an effective vaccine. The disease was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, but infection rates have risen as vaccination rates among children fall below the CDC's target of 95%, necessary for herd immunity.

In northeast and central Wisconsin, healthcare professionals are monitoring potential signs of infection among patients. Nathan Nobbe, Director of Infection Prevention-North Region at ThedaCare, expressed concern over both the outbreak and declining immunization rates.

"As an organization dedicated to improving community health, ThedaCare continues to encourage vaccination against measles and other similarly communicable diseases," Nobbe stated. "Immunization is the simplest course of action we can take to prevent or at least significantly slow the spread of infections like measles."

Measles is highly contagious and spreads through airborne transmission via coughing and sneezing. According to the CDC, if one person contracts measles, up to 90% of nearby non-immune individuals may also become infected.

"An estimated one in five children diagnosed with measles will end up hospitalized," Nobbe said. "In severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia, brain swelling, blindness, and death."

Symptoms typically appear within 7-14 days post-infection and include high fever, coughs, runny nose (coryza), red rash from head to toe, small raised white spots on top of this rash, red watery eyes (conjunctivitis), and white spots inside the mouth.

"Measles is caused by a virus; there's no antibiotic or specific medical treatment for it," explained Nobbe. "An infected child should stay hydrated get lots of rest stay home avoid groups gatherings curb spread."

Health organizations emphasize that immunizations are crucial for protection against measles infection. For most children protection comes from receiving either MMR or MMRV vaccines between ages twelve fifteen months again four six years old.

"About ninety-five percent achieve immunity with their first vaccine rest develop second time vaccinated," noted Nobbe adding that "immunity usually lasts lifetime." He echoed concerns about declining vaccination rates allowing new foothold disease stating current outbreak reminder parents families ensure up-to-date recommended immunizations connect healthcare provider questions concerns infectious illnesses."

Families verify status using resources such as MyThedaCare account Wisconsin Immunization Registry.