The Marathon County Health Department and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services are investigating a possible measles exposure at the Marshfield Medical Center emergency department in Weston.
Officials say the person with a confirmed case was at the emergency department on Thursday, Nov. 5, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Health officials are working to identify anyone who may have been exposed during that window.
People who were there and have immunity from vaccination or from a past measles infection are considered well protected and at low risk, according to officials. They are asked to watch for symptoms and call a health care provider if they develop a fever or rash. People without immunity are asked to talk with a provider about whether vaccination or medication after exposure is recommended, which officials say is especially important for people at higher risk of complications.
Anyone who develops measles symptoms is asked to stay home and to call a health care provider before visiting, so precautions can be taken to avoid exposing other patients. Officials say symptoms for people who were present and are not immune would likely begin around Nov. 11.
The Marathon County Health Department will hold a free MMR vaccination clinic on Sunday, Nov. 8, from 10 a.m. to noon for people who may have been exposed and are not vaccinated. Parking is in lots D and E, with entry through Door 28, and vaccines will be offered at no cost.
Wisconsin has recorded more than 400 measles cases this year, most of them in southwest Wisconsin, with isolated cases in Marathon and Chippewa counties. Earlier this week, officials reported a death tied to the southwest Wisconsin outbreak, involving an infant who was too young to be vaccinated.
