EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WEAU) – Measles is on the rise across the country. The CDC reports cases in five states so far this year. Texas is seeing the most significant outbreak. Its state health department is reporting 58 cases in the last three weeks.
In 2000, measles was officially considered eliminated from the U.S. but in recent years, cases continue to make a return. In 2023, the CDC reported there were 58 cases. Last year, the CDC reported that there were 285 people, one of whom was in Wisconsin. Now, two months into the year, cases are on the rise again.
“People that are unvaccinated, if they were exposed to a measles case, nine out of ten of them would become infected with measles,” Christina Writz, a public health nurse with the Eau Claire City-County Health Department, said. “One in five individuals that are unvaccinated that get measles in the United States do end up needing hospitalization.”
As outbreaks continue across the country, local health officials are monitoring the cases.
“We’re watching other states that are seeing outbreaks. Primarily it is individuals that are unvaccinated and so we’re continuing to encourage people to stay up to date with the vaccine,” Writz said. “We’re thinking about it all the time, trying to think how to best communicate and to make sure providers are all sharing consistent messaging and just helping people stay protected.”
Measles often presents with symptoms of a runny nose, cough, fever and rash. Health officials said getting the MMR vaccine is the most effective preventative measure.
“About 95% of the population does need to be vaccinated against measles to provide that herd immunity,” Writz said. “So, because of how contagious it is, if we don’t have those rates, we definitely expect to see cases of measles.”
“It just will reduce the likelihood that if we do have a communicable disease, that disease isn’t spreading,” Misti Trowbridge, the director of student services with the Eau Claire Area School District, said. “We have a lot of students in our school. A lot of movement.”
There are two doses of the MMR vaccine. The first dose is 93% effective. The second dose is 97% effective at protecting from measles. To check your vaccination status, reach out to your primary physician or check the Wisconsin Immunization Registry.
People born before 1957 do not need to get the vaccine because they are likely already exposed to measles. Those who got the first version of the vaccine, which was used between 1963 and 1968, should get the newer version. The first version is not considered effective.
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Health officials monitor measles outbreaks across the U.S.
