Health
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Measles Outbreak Threatens NFL Draft in Wisconsin
## Measles Outbreak Prompts Health Alert Ahead of Wisconsin NFL Draft
**Green Bay, WI** – With the NFL Draft bringing tens of thousands of visitors to Northeast Wisconsin next week, local health officials are urging residents and attendees to check their measles vaccination status amid a nationwide outbreak. While no measles cases have been reported in Wisconsin, the escalating national situation necessitates a proactive approach.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports 712 confirmed measles cases across 24 states and New York City as of April 10th, more than double the 285 cases reported in all of 2022. A concerning 97% of these cases involve individuals unvaccinated or with unknown vaccination status. The highly contagious nature of measles, which spreads through coughing and sneezing and remains airborne for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area, poses a significant risk during large gatherings.
Symptoms begin with fever, cough, runny nose, and red, swollen eyes, followed by a rash spreading from the head down. Serious complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis (brain inflammation), and ear infections, are possible, especially for infants, pregnant women, and those with pre-existing conditions. Health officials stress the importance of contacting a healthcare provider before visiting a facility if measles is suspected.
Local health departments in Northeast Wisconsin, including Appleton, Calumet County, Menasha, Outagamie County, and Winnebago County, are jointly recommending vaccination checks for all residents and visitors. Two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine are 97% effective in preventing measles; one dose offers approximately 93% protection.
Vaccination records can be accessed online through the Wisconsin Immunization Registry or by contacting a healthcare provider. Out-of-state visitors should check their state's health department for vaccination registry information. Some local health departments provide free vaccines to eligible uninsured children and adults.
Despite Wisconsin's current lack of cases, concerns remain. Dr. Ben Weston, Milwaukee County's chief health policy advisor, notes Wisconsin's relatively low vaccination rate (85%), well below the 95% needed for herd immunity and the third lowest in the nation. This, combined with the highly contagious nature of measles, makes the state vulnerable to an outbreak. He emphasizes the need for preparedness, not panic, urging residents to ensure their vaccinations are up-to-date.
**Green Bay, WI** – With the NFL Draft bringing tens of thousands of visitors to Northeast Wisconsin next week, local health officials are urging residents and attendees to check their measles vaccination status amid a nationwide outbreak. While no measles cases have been reported in Wisconsin, the escalating national situation necessitates a proactive approach.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports 712 confirmed measles cases across 24 states and New York City as of April 10th, more than double the 285 cases reported in all of 2022. A concerning 97% of these cases involve individuals unvaccinated or with unknown vaccination status. The highly contagious nature of measles, which spreads through coughing and sneezing and remains airborne for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area, poses a significant risk during large gatherings.
Symptoms begin with fever, cough, runny nose, and red, swollen eyes, followed by a rash spreading from the head down. Serious complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis (brain inflammation), and ear infections, are possible, especially for infants, pregnant women, and those with pre-existing conditions. Health officials stress the importance of contacting a healthcare provider before visiting a facility if measles is suspected.
Local health departments in Northeast Wisconsin, including Appleton, Calumet County, Menasha, Outagamie County, and Winnebago County, are jointly recommending vaccination checks for all residents and visitors. Two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine are 97% effective in preventing measles; one dose offers approximately 93% protection.
Vaccination records can be accessed online through the Wisconsin Immunization Registry or by contacting a healthcare provider. Out-of-state visitors should check their state's health department for vaccination registry information. Some local health departments provide free vaccines to eligible uninsured children and adults.
Despite Wisconsin's current lack of cases, concerns remain. Dr. Ben Weston, Milwaukee County's chief health policy advisor, notes Wisconsin's relatively low vaccination rate (85%), well below the 95% needed for herd immunity and the third lowest in the nation. This, combined with the highly contagious nature of measles, makes the state vulnerable to an outbreak. He emphasizes the need for preparedness, not panic, urging residents to ensure their vaccinations are up-to-date.
