Measles Case is Confirmed in Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE – The City of Milwaukee Health Department has received a report of a confirmed case of measles in a City of Milwaukee resident who is employed in Waukesha County.

The individual took necessary precautions after symptoms presented. The City of Milwaukee Health Department, in conjunction with Waukesha County Health & Human Services and Wisconsin Department of Health Services, is working to identify and notify individuals who may have been exposed to the measles virus and is implementing control measures so others do not get sick.

Individuals who have been at following the locations during the following dates/times may have been exposed to the measles virus:

1. Mother of Good Counsel Parish (6924 W Lisbon Ave, Milwaukee)
   • October 1 from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
2. Walgreens (3233 S 27^th St, Milwaukee)
   • October 2 from 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
3. Aurora St. Luke’s Emergency Department (2900 W Oklahoma Ave, Milwaukee)
   • October 2 from 11:00 am – 5:30 pm
4. Aurora Walker’s Point Community Clinic, CORE El Centro, Lotus Legal, Clock Shadow Creamery (130-138 W Bruce St, Milwaukee)
   Aurora St. Luke’s Galleria Building – Breast Imaging, Pre-Admission Testing, Ambulatory Treatment Center, Outpatient Lab Draw Station
   • • October 4 from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Individuals onsite during these dates/times need to check their MMR immunization status as soon as possible. Individuals can access their immunization records using the Wisconsin Immunization Registry (WIR). Instructions are available in English, Spanish, and Hmong. If you are unable to access your records, please contact your doctor’s office or your local health department.

Measles is a highly contagious disease that can be spread from person to person through the air and can stay in the air for two hours after a sick person coughs or sneezes.

Signs and symptoms of measles include:

• Runny nose
• High fever (may be greater than 104°F)
• Tiredness
• Cough
• Red, watery eyes, or conjunctivitis (“pink eye”)
• A red rash with raised bumps starts at the hairline and moves to the arms and legs three to five days after first symptoms appear.

If you develop any of the symptoms of measles, you should stay home (do not go to work, school, shopping, or use public transportation) and call your doctor’s office. Tell them you might have been exposed to measles and describe the symptoms you are experiencing.

Measles is a vaccine-preventable disease. The best way to prevent getting measles is to get the measles vaccine (MMR) as a child beginning with the first dose at 12 to 15 months of age, and the second dose around age four. Even one dose is 93% effective against measles.

If you are pregnant, severely immune compromised, have children under the age of 12 months, or are otherwise ineligible to receive the MMR vaccine, contact your medical provider for guidance.

Adults who were born in or after 1957 and have never had the vaccine, should get at least one dose. If not previously vaccinated, college students, international travelers, and healthcare workers should get two doses at least 28 days apart.

“We are actively managing the situation and taking necessary steps to prevent further spread. Measles is a vaccine-preventable disease. The virus is a highly contagious disease that is spread through respiratory droplets and direct contact with contaminated surfaces.” said Milwaukee Health Commissioner Mike Totoraitis. “We urge all potentially exposed individuals to check their immunization records and ensure they have received the MMR vaccine or make a plan to get the vaccine. Vaccination is not only crucial for your protection but also for the well-being of our entire community.”

Immunizations are available at a doctor’s office, some pharmacies, and City of Milwaukee Health Department Clinics.

This Saturday, October 14, the City of Milwaukee Health Department’s Northwest Health Center Drive-Thru Clinic (7630 W Mill Rd) will be administering the measles (MMR) vaccination, in addition to COVID-19 (for eligible individuals) and flu vaccinations. The clinic will run from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

For questions or assistance with accessing immunization records, residents can call 414-286-6800.

If there are any additional measles cases, these will be included in the case count posted on the DHS website.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.