Lincoln County Health Department measles update

The Lincoln County Health Department (LCHD) issued a press release on April 1, 2025, to provide the community with a measles update in light of a recent increase in cases throughout the U.S. According to the LCHD:
As of March 27, 2025, the Center or Disease Control (CDC) reports 483 confirmed cases of measles, including one confirmed child death. Multiple states are affected. No cases have been confirmed in Wisconsin. The latest information is available at: cdc.gov/measles/data-research/index.html.
Measles is highly contagious. It is caused by a virus that easily spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Measles spreads rapidly—often before any symptoms of illness are seen. It is so contagious that 90% of unvaccinated people exposed to measles will become infected. The virus lingers in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area.
Symptoms typically include fever, cough, runny nose, red, watery eyes, and a red, blotchy rash that typically begins on the face at the hairline, and spreads downwards. Disease complications include ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, brain swelling (encephalitis), and potentially death.
How to protect yourself, your family, and others in the community:

The MMR (mumps, measles, rubella) vaccine is highly effective in providing immunity. Two doses of the MMR vaccine provides 97% protection against getting infected by measles and continues to protect for a lifetime.
• MMR vaccine is recommended at age 12–15 months of age, then again at age 4–6 years of age. If vaccine status is unknown, vaccination is recommended.
• Past measles infection may provide a lifelong protection against disease. The measles vaccine was developed in 1963, so those born before 1957 likely have immunity.
Now is the time to talk to your healthcare provider about any vaccinations you may need. Contact your healthcare provider to discuss vaccine concerns, ask questions, and schedule vaccinations that are overdue. You can also look up your vaccine record on the Wisconsin Immunization Registry (WIR): dhs.wisconsin.gov/immunization/wir.htm
The LCHD offers zero-cost vaccinations to eligible families through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) and Vaccines for Adults (VFA) programs. Learn more at co.lincoln.wi.us/health/page/immunization-clinics.
“It is never too late to get caught up on vaccinations. Preventing disease is safer than treating disease,” the LCHD said. “Reducing disease outbreaks is a community effort.”
For questions on measles or immunications, contact Kristi or Deanna at the LCHD. Call 715.536.0307 or LCHealth@co.lincoln.wi.us. A measles fact sheet is available at: co.lincoln.wi.us/health.