Measles in the Midwest

Measles in the Midwest

May 8, 2024 in Family Practice, News, Public Health, Regional Medical Center

Measles cases continue to spread throughout the United States and the Midwest. To date, cases have been reported in the bordering Iowa states including Illinois, Missouri, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Of the total cases in 2024, 53% of cases were hospitalized.

Measles is an airborne virus. It is extremely contagious and causes a potentially severe rash illness that can lead to brain swelling and serious complications. The measles is NOT just a little rash.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• Call your healthcare provider immediately if you think you or your child have been exposed to measles.
• Do not go to the clinic or hospital without calling first (if you think you or your child could have measles or have been exposed). This is because measles is so contagious. We do not want to expose other patients, visitors and staff in a waiting room. Measles can live in the air for 2 hours after an infected person leaves the space.
• Measles symptoms typically include a high fever (may spike to 104°F or higher); cough; runny nose; red, watery eyes; and a rash which breaks out 3-5 days after other symptoms begin. Symptoms present 7-14 days after a measles infection.
• Get vaccinated with the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine. Call your healthcare provider today to make sure you and your children are up-to-date with your MMR vaccine.

Find more information about measles, prevention and the latest outbreak statistics at cdc.gov/measles.