PIERRE, S.D. — The South Dakota Department of Health is warning the public of possible measles exposure at two locations in Rapid City following confirmation of the state’s second measles case this year.Officials say the infected individual visited public locations while contagious. Anyone who was at those locations during the specified times may have been exposed and should monitor for symptoms for 21 days following the potential exposure.
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The exposure sites include Sam’s Club at 925 Eglin St. on June 1 between noon and 6 p.m., and Dakota Premier Medical Clinic at 2006 Mt. Rushmore Road on June 2 between 11:15 a.m. and 3:45 p.m.Measles symptoms usually appear in two stages. The first stage can include a runny nose, cough, slight fever, and eye sensitivity to light. The fever typically rises each day. In the second stage, beginning around the third to seventh day of symptoms, a high fever between 103 and 105 degrees may develop along with a red blotchy rash that begins on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.Dr. Joshua Clayton, the state epidemiologist, said the public notice is intended to help individuals take preventive measures.“We are sharing this information to help individuals who may have been exposed take steps to protect their health,” Clayton said. “Any South Dakotan lacking immunity from vaccination or past infection can get the MMR vaccine to prevent measles infection and its complications.”The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is considered the most effective way to prevent infection. People are considered immune if they were born before 1957, have received one or two doses of the vaccine depending on age and risk, or have lab-confirmed evidence of immunity or prior infection.The first MMR dose is typically given at 12 to 15 months of age, with a second dose between ages 4 and 6. Children traveling internationally can be vaccinated starting at 6 months.More information, including fact sheets and resources for healthcare providers, is available on the
Department of Health’s website.
By
NewsCenter1 staff
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