Local News
Local Health Officials Keeping an Eye on Measles Outbreak in U.S.
As reports of the measles continue to increase around the
country, local health officials say its not if, but when the disease gets to
Wisconsin. Fond du Lac County Public Health Officer Kim Mueller says the disease
can spread quickly. “The measles virus is spread easily from person to person
and it travels by sick people coughing or sneezing,” Mueller said. “The
scariest piece is that the measles virus can stay in the air for up to two
hours after a sick person has left the room.” Mueller stresses the importance
of making sure both you and your family members are vaccinated to prevent the
disease from spreading. “Vaccination is our number one defense against measles.
If the disease starts circulating around our community and you’re not
vaccinated, you’re not going to be able to go to work, you’re not going to be
able to go to school, so its important to get those vaccinations.” 10 states
have reported cases of the Measles so far this year – with cases being reported
as close as Illinois.