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OCONTO COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Two dozen cases of measles have now been confirmed in Oconto County as part of an outbreak that began in mid-July.
On Tuesday, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services launched a public online dashboard to share updates on the outbreak. New information will be provided twice a week, at 2 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays.
According to the data provided on the website, from July 13 to Aug. 31, there have been 24 confirmed cases of measles in Oconto County. All of the cases are in unvaccinated individuals. Two hospitalizations have been reported, but no deaths thus far.
12.5% of the cases are in children ages 0-4, 54.2% of cases are in children ages 5-17 and 33.3% of cases are in individuals 18 and older.
Oconto County is the only county in Wisconsin to have any confirmed cases of measles at this time. DHS officials say they will continue to issue information about measles as the situation warrants; for example, if there is a significant public exposure to the virus or if a new outbreak is confirmed.
DHS reminds Wisconsin residents that measles can be dangerous, especially for infants and young children. One out of every four people who get measles in the United States will be hospitalized. One or two out of every 1,000 children in the U.S. who get measles will die from the disease, even with the best medical care.
Measles can also cause serious health problems, such as pneumonia, brain damage caused by swelling and deafness.
The best protection against measles is a measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR or MMRV) vaccine. Two doses of the measles vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles. The vaccine provides long-lasting protection against all strains of measles.
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