Confirmed Measles Case in Brookings County, South Dakota

Northeast Radio SD News – The South Dakota Department of Health (SD-DOH) has confirmed a case of measles in a Brookings County child, prompting state health officials to issue an official Health Alert Network (HAN) advisory to medical providers and the public.

The state advisory (SD HAN 26-005) urges increased vigilance not only in Brookings County but also in the surrounding counties of Deuel, Hamlin, Kingsbury, Lake, and Moody.

State Epidemiologist Urges Immediate Reporting

In the alert, State Epidemiologist Dr. Joshua L. Clayton requested that medical providers closely monitor patients who may have been exposed or who present with symptoms consistent with the virus. Because measles is highly contagious, it is classified as a Category I disease in South Dakota, meaning healthcare providers are legally required to report any suspected cases to the state immediately.

“Medical providers should be alert for patients with potential exposure to measles or patients presenting with measles symptoms,” Dr. Clayton stated in the advisory.

Healthcare providers seeking consultation can contact the SD-DOH directly at 800-592-1861.

Symptoms to Watch For

Measles is a highly infectious respiratory disease that spreads easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure.

The SD-DOH highlights the following early symptoms to watch for:

·         High fever

·         Cough

·         Runny nose

·         Red, watery eyes

A characteristic red, blotchy rash typically develops a few days after these initial symptoms begin, starting on the face and spreading downward to the rest of the body.

Resources and Prevention

Health officials stress that vaccination remains the most effective defense against measles. The SD-DOH is encouraging residents to review their family’s immunization records to ensure they are fully protected.

For further information, official tracking, and healthcare guidelines, please utilize the following resources:

For the Public

·         SD-DOH Measles Dashboard: View local updates on the SD-DOH Measles Webpage.

·         Immunization Records: South Dakota residents can request their vaccination history through the SD-DOH Immunization Records Portal.

For Healthcare Providers

·         Clinical Data: Review the CDC’s Clinical Overview of Measles.

·         Infection Control: Guidelines for clinical settings can be found via the CDC Infection Prevention Recommendations and the APIC Measles Playbook.

About the South Dakota Department of Health

The Division of Disease Prevention and Control, led by Dr. Joshua L. Clayton, MPH, monitors and responds to public health threats across the state from its headquarters at 615 E. 4th Street, Pierre, SD.