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MADISON, Wis. (WBAY) – Measles cases are surging across the country, with at least 17 states reporting instances. Nearly 600 cases are confirmed so far this year, meaning the country saw more cases in one month than is typically recorded in an entire year, based on records since 1993.

Here in Wisconsin, two cases have been reported in Waukesha and Dane counties. More than 4,300 people combined are possible close contacts for just those two cases.

Local health officials are warning people who have not been vaccinated about the risks associated with measles. The measles virus is highly contagious and can cause serious health complications, including pneumonia, brain damage, deafness, and can even be deadly in some cases. Doctors say it’s not too late to get vaccinated.

Understanding the virus and symptoms

Measles is one of the most contagious viruses in the world, with 1 in 4 people hospitalized for it. Doctors say symptoms don’t always show up all at once, and the illness often starts like a bad cold before other signs appear.

“And five days after symptoms start, you usually get these flat red macules, which is a rash that usually starts at the head. And it works its way down the body through the trunk to the arms and the legs,” said Dr. Cynthia Fisher, family medicine physician at ThedaCare.

Vaccination recommendations

Child immunization typically happens for babies between 12 and 15 months, with a second shot between four and six years old. Doctors say immunization is 95 percent effective in immunity for measles and helps keep yourself and others safe.

“The general population being immunized also protects our at-risk population, those who can’t get the measles vaccine for various reasons, such as being immunocompromised,” Fisher said.

The Department of Health Services says those born before 1957 are generally considered to be immune to measles. But for anyone born during or after 1957 who didn’t contract measles or receive the vaccine should receive at least one dose of the MMR vaccine.

School officials urged to stay vigilant

It’s not just parents who need to be vigilant. After two cases were reported within a week of each other — one on the UW-Madison campus and the other in the Waukesha School District — doctors say school leaders play a crucial role in identifying potential cases.

“Well, I think it’s important for educators and daycare providers also to be aware that there are measles outbreaks. And to be aware of signs and symptoms of illness that I talked about, such as the fever, the cough, especially the rash,” Fisher said.

While the virus is a concern on college campuses, UW-Madison health officials say their campus may be better prepared than some.

“Many of our students are already vaccinated. That’s less of a concern because when you’re vaccinated, you’re already well protected, and that will become less of a challenge,” said Jack Baggott, executive director of University Health Services at UW-Madison.

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