Measles Alert: Urgent Caution Needed After Dane County Visitor Infected with Virus in Rock County

Rock County Public Health (RCPH) is urging the public to be cautious about possible exposure to measles after an individual from Dane County visited Rock County while infectious. RCPH, in collaboration with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Public Health Madison & County, and SSM Health, are working together to identify and notify individuals who may have been exposed to the measles virus.

If you visited Kwik Trip in Milton, SSM Health Dean Medical Group, or SSM Health Mary’s Hospital in Janesville during specific dates and times, you may have been exposed to measles. Those who were present at these locations should check their vaccination status. Individuals who are unvaccinated and were at these locations should stay home and contact RCPH or their local health department for guidance.

SSM Health is reaching out to patients who may have been exposed to measles while on campus during the specified times through MyChart or phone. The measles virus is highly contagious and can be spread through coughing and sneezing. According to the CDC, infected individuals can transmit measles to others four days before and after the appearance of the rash.

It is crucial that individuals take precautions and seek guidance from health authorities if they suspect they may have been exposed to measles. This includes getting vaccinated as soon as possible if you are not already up-to-date on your shots. In addition, those who have symptoms of measles such as fever, coughing, runny nose, red eyes or skin rash should contact their healthcare provider immediately for treatment.