South Dakota DOH Warns of Measles Exposure in Milbank and Brookings

Northeast Radio SD News – Milbank/Brookings, SD - The South Dakota Department of Health (DOH) has issued a public alert following a confirmed case of measles in an adult resident of Grant County. Health officials warn that the individual visited several high-traffic locations in Milbank and Brookings while infectious late last month.

State Epidemiologist Dr. Joshua Clayton emphasized the importance of community cooperation in containing the highly contagious virus.

“As South Dakotans, it is our personal responsibility to help prevent the spread of measles in our state,” said Dr. Clayton. “Knowing your immune status, monitoring for symptoms, and staying home if you feel sick are critical steps to protect yourself, your family, and your community.”

Potential Exposure Locations

Anyone who visited the following locations during the specified times should monitor for symptoms:

Milbank | Friday, Jan. 30, 2026

·        Milbank VFW Bar: 205 S 3rd St | 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. CT

·        Sly’s Steakhouse: 1012 S Dakota St | 7:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. CT

Brookings | Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026

·        Brookings High School (Wrestling Tournament): 530 Elm Ave | 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. CT

·        Larsen Ice Center (Ice Hockey Game): 924 32nd Ave | 3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. CT

·        Pints & Quarts: 313 Main Ave | 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. CT

What You Need to Do

If you were present at any of these locations, the DOH recommends the following:

1.    Monitor Your Health: Watch for symptoms for 21 days following the date of exposure.

2.    Check Immunity: Review your vaccination records. Two doses of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine typically provide lifelong immunity. Individuals born before 1957 are generally presumed to be immune due to natural prior infection.

3.    Contact a Provider: If you are unsure of your immune status or are unvaccinated, contact a healthcare professional immediately to discuss options such as the MMR vaccine or immune globulin.

4.    Isolate if Sick: If symptoms develop, stay home and call your doctor before arriving at a clinic to prevent further spread.

Symptoms to Watch For

Measles typically develops in two distinct stages:

·        Stage 1 (Early Symptoms): Runny nose, cough, slight fever, and eyes that are red and sensitive to light. The fever usually increases daily.

·        Stage 2 (Advanced Symptoms): Occurring 3 to 7 days after the first symptoms, this stage features a high fever (103–105°F) and a characteristic red, blotchy rash. The rash typically starts on the face and spreads downward across the body.

For more information and updates, residents are encouraged to visit the South Dakota Department of Health website.