MADISON, Wis., (WRN) – Measles cases continue to crop up in the U.S. – here’s what to know.
Dr. Stephanie Schauer is with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. She said measles is a health concern.
“Measles is a very serious disease. But we’re fortunate that we have a vaccine that’s both safe and effective,” Schauer said.
It’s easy to check your vaccination status online through the Wisconsin immunization registry. The measles vaccine has been hugely effective.
“In 1963 – and that’s the year that the measles vaccine was licensed – Wisconsin had over 68,000 measles cases and 19 deaths. We don’t want to go backwards,” Schauer cautioned.
The CDC notes that U.S. cases often come from unvaccinated or undervaccinated residents who travel overseas and then return home and spread the disease.