Area Measles Cases Causing Concern

If you’ve been putting off your child’s or your vaccinations, there’s no time like the present to get up-to-date.

Last week, three cases of measles were reported in nearby Milwaukee County and health care workers in the area are on high alert to watch for more.

Because of the recent cases, public health officials are encouraging everyone to be up-to-date with their measles vaccinations. The measles vaccination is offered as part of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine.

Measles is a serious, highly contagious disease, said Waukesha County Public Health Supervisor Rosie Kapp said.

“Children who come down with it are very sick and there can be serious complications,” Kapp said. “Five to six percent develop pneumonia.”

Children should have their first MMR vaccination between 12 and 15 months of age, according to Kapp. Children should have their second dose of the vaccination between four and six years old.

Adults born after 1956 who have not been vaccinated and who are not healthcare workers should have one dose.

Another complication is encephalitis, inflammation of the brain that can lead to deafness and mental retardation. One or two cases of measles in 1,000 will result in death.

In 2008, there was one case of measles reported in Waukesha County, Kapp said.

Vaccinations are available at doctors' offices or the Waukesha County Public Health Division, which provides immunizations to people of all ages. These immunizations are available at monthly clinics throughout the county or as a walk-in service Monday through Friday at the from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

According to the county's public health website, most vaccines for children and adolescents under the age of 19, which meet day care and school requirements, are supplied by the Wisconsin Immunization Program. These vaccines are available for a nominal fee of $7, no client will be refused if unable to pay, and there is no fee for persons on Medicaid (Title 19).