Latest news with #StephanieSchauer
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Measles has been reported in nearly all Midwestern states. What's the risk in Wisconsin?
With nearly all of Wisconsin's neighboring states now reporting cases of measles, threat of an outbreak in the state is growing, public health officials say. So far, Wisconsin has not reported any measles cases in 2025. Last year, the state's only recorded case was in a Dane County adult, who has believed to have contracted the disease after traveling to another state. The state's last major outbreak was between 1989 and 1990, totaling more than 1,600 cases. However, as summer travel ramps up, an outbreak may not be far behind in Wisconsin, according to Stephanie Schauer, immunization program coordinator for the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. As of May 8, the U.S. has logged more more than 1,000 measles cases across 31 states — compared to 285 cases in all of 2024, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Due to the highly contagious nature of the virus, it sometimes only takes one travel-related case to cause an outbreak across an entire community, Schauer said. 'Just staying six feet away from someone won't really do it," she added. "Measles can stay suspended up in the air for up to two hours, so you can come into a space where there was a case of measles, and the person could have left an hour ago, but you could still contract the disease.' As cases continue rising nationally, here's how to best protect yourself from measles in Wisconsin. A surge in summer travel, rising cases in the Midwest and low vaccination rates for the measles, mumps and rubella, or MMR, vaccine statewide could all make for a major measles outbreak in Wisconsin, Schauer said. As of May 14, Minnesota, Michigan and Illinois had all reported between one and nine cases of measles in 2025, according to the CDC. In late April, Illinois officials confirmed a case in an adult who had traveled through Chicago O'Hare International Airport, a major connecting airport for Wisconsinites traveling outside the region. Though Wisconsinites traveling domestically to places with outbreaks — such as Texas, which has seen 600 cases alone — should still get up-to-date on vaccines, Schauer said international travel is the greatest risk factor for measles. "Many of the recent cases are linked to international travel," she said. "We see an increased risk anytime folks are traveling, especially with measles circulating in several areas of the world, including Canada, Mexico, Europe." If a traveler does bring measles back to Wisconsin, Schauer said there are "pockets throughout the whole state" that are under-vaccinated and vulnerable to the disease. About 90% of unvaccinated people who are exposed to measles end up contracting it, and one in five unvaccinated people who get measles end up needing hospitalization, according to the CDC 'For cases to not turn into more of an outbreak, you need about 95% of people in a given community protected," Schauer said. "That's pretty high, and we certainly have communities where it's much lower." In the 2023-24 school year, only about 84.8% of Wisconsin kindergartners were up-to-date on the MMR vaccine, one of the lowest vaccination rates nationwide, according to CDC data. Young children are at much higher risk of developing severe symptoms or even dying from measles. As of 2024, DHS reported that 81.4% of 24-month-olds in Wisconsin have received at least one dose of the MMR vaccine — compared to more than 90% nationally. The western region of the state had the lowest MMR vaccination rates, particularly Clark (49.8% vaccination), Vernon (44.3%) and Crawford (61%) counties. In Milwaukee, MMR vaccination rates for 24-month-olds were slightly below the state level at 83.5%. That's an improvement from lagging vaccination rates during the pandemic, but still a downtick from 87.7% in 2016. 'The MMR vaccination rate for children has been declining over the last ten years," Schauer said. "We're not nearly as high as we need to be.' In general, health officials say the following people should get the MMR vaccine: Adults and older children without proof of immunity should get at least one dose, or if they wish, two doses at least 28 days apart. Adults born in the U.S. before 1957 are considered immune. Infants between 12 and 15 months should get one dose. Children between 4 and 6 years should get a second dose. Two doses of the vaccine are 97% effective in preventing measles. For people traveling internationally, the recommendations are slightly different, due to increased risk of contracting the disease. Anyone without proof of immunity should get fully vaccinated with two doses, separated by at least 28 days. That includes adults, children and adolescents. Infants between 6 and 11 months can get their first MMR dose early if traveling internationally. They should then still get two doses after their first birthday (typically one dose at 12 months and a second at 4 to 6 years). If traveling internationally, Schauer said people should try to get fully vaccinated at least two weeks before travel, so the body has time to build up immunity. If you've been exposed to measles, you should try to get vaccinated within 72 hours of exposure to reduce risk of infection. Schauer added that MMR vaccine has been continually monitored for safety and efficacy since it was first administered more than 50 years ago. To date, more than 575 million doses of the vaccine has been administered globally. "We want parents to feel reassured that this is a vaccine that can provide protection," she said. "Your grandparents may have received this, then your parents, and now it's time to make sure that your children are protected or that you are protected.' The MMR vaccine is available at area doctor's offices or clinics, local health departments, and some local pharmacies. Locate vaccine providers near you using If you do not have health insurance, or your insurance may not cover vaccines, the state's Vaccines for Children and Vaccines for Adults provides free vaccines. If you are unsure of your vaccine history, you can check it on the Wisconsin Immunization Registry. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What's the risk of measles in Wisconsin in 2025?
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
18 states have reported measles cases. Is Wisconsin one of them?
The United States has seen more measles cases than all of 2024 just three months into the year, with more than a dozen states reporting cases of the highly contagious disease. Though no cases have been reported in Wisconsin, health officials are keeping a close eye on cases across the nation, Wisconsin Department of Health Service Immunization Program Coordinator Dr. Stephanie Schauer told the Journal Sentinel in an email. "Because measles is highly contagious, a person traveling to areas where there are infections could easily bring it to Wisconsin," she said. Given that the disease could linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves, Schauer noted that it's possible to catch measles "nearly anywhere," like grocery stores, movie theaters or on planes and buses. She said the best protection is the measles, mumps and rubella, or MMR, vaccine — emphasizing that the vaccine is safe and used globally, with over 575 million doses administered worldwide. Wisconsin last reported a measles case in April 2024, when a Dane County adult was infected and believed to have contracted the disease after traveling to another state. Here's what to know: No, there have been no measles cases reported in Wisconsin in 2025. More: Two states have reported recent measles outbreaks. Is Wisconsin at risk? There have been 378 measles cases in the U.S. reported as of March 20, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data shows. The agency notes only confirmed cases are included in data, though it is "aware of probable measles cases" reported by other jurisdictions. The following 18 states have reported measles cases: Alaska California Florida Georgia Kansas Kentucky Maryland Michigan New Jersey New Mexico New York Ohio Pennsylvania Rhode Island Tennessee Texas Vermont Washington Among kindergarteners, Wisconsin has some of the lowest vaccination rates for the MMR vaccine in the country, according to most recent CDC data. Schauer said DHS has noted "a bit of an increase" in MMR doses administered to adults, adding that the amount given to pediatric patients remains fairly steady. "We are working with providers, such as our Vaccines For Children network, to encourage them to have more MMR on hand and not miss opportunities to vaccinate children," Schauer said. The CDC recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine for all children and at least one dose for adults who are not considered immune. Two doses are 97% effective in preventing measles. Conversely, about 90% of unvaccinated people who are exposed to measles end up contracting it, according to the CDC. Additionally, one in five unvaccinated people who get the disease end up needing hospitalization. "Frequent travelers, college students, and healthcare professionals should definitely make sure they are up to date on the vaccine," Schauer said. The MMR vaccine is available at area doctor's offices or clinics, local health departments, and some local pharmacies. Locate vaccine providers near you using If you do not have health insurance, or your insurance may not cover vaccines, the state's Vaccines for Children and Vaccines for Adults provides free vaccines. If you believe you have been exposed to measles, the CDC urges you to immediately contact your healthcare provider. The first signs of an infection typically pop up seven to 14 days after exposure, the CDC says. Initial symptoms may include: High fever, which could surpass 104 degrees Cough Runny nose Conjunctivitis According to the CDC, white spots, called Koplik spots, may appear in an infected person's mouth two to three days after symptoms begin. Following this, the measles rash begins. It typically appears three to five days after symptom onset and starts out as flat, red spots that appear at the hairline. The rash then spreads downwards, the CDC says. It may also: Be accompanied by a high fever Develop small raised bumps on top of red spots Bunch up and join together as it spreads across the body Common complications from measles include ear infections and diarrhea, though it can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening issues, even death, according to the CDC. Serious complications include: Pneumonia Encephalitis, swelling of the brain Hospitalization Pregnancy complications Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) There is no specific antiviral treatment for measles, according to the CDC. Those infected with the disease should isolate for four days after the development of the rash and vitamin A may be administered repeatedly in severe cases, the agency says. Janet Loehrke contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Have any measles cases been reported in Wisconsin?
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Two states have reported recent measles outbreaks. Is Wisconsin at risk?
At least six states in recent weeks have reported cases of measles, drawing renewed attention on the highly contagious disease amid lagging vaccination rates. As of late February, the risk to Wisconsin is low, though there still remains a possibility of the disease making its way back into the state, Wisconsin Department of Health Service Immunization Program Coordinator Dr. Stephanie Schauer told the Journal Sentinel in an email. Wisconsin last reported a measles case in April 2024. In that instance, a Dane County adult was infected and was believed to have contracted the illness after traveling to another state. Despite the low risk, Schauer emphasized measles is 'one of the most infectious diseases' and can easily spread amongst those who are not vaccinated. Spring break travel may expose even more people to the infection, she said. It "could result in introduction of the disease to Wisconsin,' Schauer added. Here's what to know about the latest measles outbreaks: No, there have been no measles cases reported in Wisconsin in 2025. Schauer said one case was reported in 2024 and one in 2023. None were reported in 2022. Though two states have reported recent measles outbreaks, the U.S. is not close to a major nationwide outbreak. That last occurred in 2019, when 22 different outbreaks led to a total of 1,249 cases nationwide, according to the CDC. It was the highest number of measles cases in a single year since 1992. However, though cases are not near 2019 levels, the outbreak in Texas had expanded to 58 cases as of Feb. 18, according to state health officials. Children 17 and under accounted for 48 of those cases, and almost all the infected people were unvaccinated for measles. Meanwhile, in New Mexico, officials declared an outbreak last week, starting with two adults who had tested positive. Additionally, as of Feb. 7, Alaska, Georgia, New York and Rhode Island have also reported cases. Among kindergarteners, Wisconsin has some of the lowest vaccination rates for the measles, mumps and rubella, or MMR, vaccine in the country, according to most recent CDC data. About 84.8% of Wisconsin kindergartners were up-to-date on the MMR vaccine during the 2023-24 school year, down from 86.5% the prior school year and 92.8% during the 2019-2020 school year. Only Idaho and Alaska had lower MMR vaccination rates, though a few states did not provide robust data and Montana reported no data. Data for 2024 child vaccination rates is not yet available, and Wisconsin does not typically measure measles vaccination rates for adults, Schauer said. Adults born before 1957 are generally considered immune to measles, though this does not include high-risk groups, like health care workers, she added. The CDC recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine for all children and at least one dose for adults who are not considered immune. Two doses of the vaccine are 97% effective in preventing measles. Conversely, about 90% of unvaccinated people who are exposed to measles end up contracting it, according to the CDC. Additionally, one in five unvaccinated people who get measles end up needing hospitalization. The MMR vaccine is available at area doctor's offices or clinics, local health departments, and some local pharmacies. Locate vaccine providers near you using If you do not have health insurance, or your insurance may not cover vaccines, the state's Vaccines for Children and Vaccines for Adults provides free vaccines. More: Wisconsin is seeing among its worst flu seasons of the past decade. Here's why If you believe you have been exposed to measles, the CDC urges you to immediately contact your healthcare provider. The first signs of an infection typically pop up seven to 14 days after exposure, the CDC says. Initial symptoms may include: High fever, which could surpass 104 degrees Cough Runny nose Conjunctivitis According to the CDC, white spots, called Koplik spots, may appear in an infected person's mouth two to three days after symptoms begin. Following this, the measles rash begins. It typically appears three to five days after symptom onset and starts out as flat, red spots that appear at the hairline. The rash then spreads downwards, the CDC says. It may also: Be accompanied by a high fever Develop small raised bumps on top of red spots Bunch up and join together as it spreads across the body Common complications from measles include ear infections and diarrhea, though it can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening issues, even death, according to the CDC. Serious complications include: Pneumonia Encephalitis, swelling of the brain Hospitalization Pregnancy complications Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) There is no specific antiviral treatment for measles, according to the CDC. Those infected with the disease should isolate for four days after the development of the rash and vitamin A may be administered repeatedly in severe cases, the agency says. More: Wisconsinites urged to protect themselves with respiratory illnesses on the rise USA TODAY reporter Janet Loehrke contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Is Wisconsin at risk of a measles outbreak?
