Measles is a disease that is caused by a virus. The virus can very easily spread from person to person through the air. The virus can stay in the air for up to two hours after a sick person coughs or sneezes.
People who are sick with measles may start symptoms with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Two or three days after symptoms start, a red, flat rash may appear at the sick person's hairline and spread down the rest of the body.
You can protect yourself and your family by getting vaccinated!
There have been no measles cases in Wisconsin residents since 2014. However, there are on-going measles cases in neighboring states. More information, including nationwide data can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
Information for parents or patients
Measles is a highly contagious disease. If you have measles-like symptoms, call your doctor immediately.
Measles Disease Information
- Measles fact sheet, P-42174 - What do you need to know about measles? available in English, Spanish, Hmong, and Somali
- Measles disease overview- A resource from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that answers frequently asked questions about measles disease.
Measles Immunization Information
- Measles vaccination information-Information for parents about the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
- MMR vaccine information statement- in multiple languages-Explains the risks of measles disease and benefits of vaccination.
- Public immunization record access- Are you trying to find your or your child's immunization record? The Wisconsin Immunization Registry may be able to help.
Measles Communication
Information for local health departments
Measles is a highly contagious disease. Local health departments and tribal clinics should work with health care providers in their jurisdictions to take immediate steps if there is a suspected or confirmed case. A recording of the Wisconsin Immunization Program Question and Answer session with local health departments from 4/24/2018 and the Wisconsin Immunization Program Measles Exposure Wrap-Up from 5/7/2018 is now available.
Measles is a Wisconsin Disease Surveillance Category I disease:
- Report IMMEDIATELY by TELEPHONE to the patient's local health department upon identification of a confirmed or suspected case. The local health department shall then notify the state epidemiologist immediately of any confirmed or suspected cases. Within 24 hours, submit a case report electronically through the Wisconsin Electronic Surveillance System (WEDSS), by mail or fax using an Acute and Communicable Disease Case Report, F-44151 (Word) or by other means.
- DHS Communicable Disease Reporting
Wisconsin case reporting and public health follow-up guidelines:
- Case Reporting and Investigation Protocol (EpiNet): P-01989 Measles (PDF)
- Measles surveillance and control guidelines, P-00892 (PDF)
- Section 1 reviews the disease
- Section 2 covers specimen collection and laboratory testing
- Section 3 covers reporting and case investigation
- Section 4 covers disease control
- Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene Clinical Testing Reference Manual
- Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations
What is a disease investigation? Follow CDC's guidelines and best practices.
Information for health care professionals
Measles is a highly contagious disease. Health care providers should report immediately to the patient's local health department if there is a confirmed or suspected case. Providers should also work with their infection control to prevent the spread of disease to others.
Measles is a Wisconsin Disease Surveillance Category I disease:
- Report IMMEDIATELY by TELEPHONE to the patient's local health department upon identification of a confirmed or suspected case. The local health department shall then notify the state epidemiologist immediately of any confirmed or suspected cases. Within 24 hours, submit a case report electronically through the Wisconsin Electronic Surveillance System (WEDSS), by mail or fax using an Acute and Communicable Disease Case Report, F-44151 (Word) or by other means.
- DHS Communicable Disease Reporting
Wisconsin case reporting and public health follow-up guidelines:
- Case Reporting and Investigation Protocol (EpiNet): P-01989 Measles (PDF)
- Measles surveillance and control guidelines, P-00892 (PDF)
- Section 1 reviews the disease
- Section 2 covers specimen collection and laboratory testing
- Section 3 covers reporting and case investigation
- Section 4 covers disease control
- Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene Clinical Testing Reference Manual
- ACIP recommendations
Resources for clinicians
- Measles journal articles
- Measles photos
- Posters and videosfor your office from EZIZ
- Minimize Measles Transmission In Your Clinic-From the Minnesota Department of Public Health
