Department of Health Reports Measles Case in South Dakota

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 18, 2024
MEDIA CONTACT: Tia Kafka, [email protected]

Department of Health Reports Measles Case in South Dakota

PIERRE, S.D. - The Department of Health is reporting a case of measles in a South Dakota resident. An adult Pennington County resident developed a measles infection after traveling internationally. They visited Monument Health in Rapid City and tested positive for measles.

"Measles is a highly contagious viral disease and spreads through the air when an infected individual coughs or sneezes," said Dr. Joshua Clayton, state epidemiologist. "Individuals who have not been fully immunized with two doses of measles vaccine have an increased risk of infection if they have contact with an infected person."

The time periods and locations where other community members may have been exposed to the case are the Black Hills Urgent Care on 741 Mountain View Rd. from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. MT on July 9, 2024, and the Monument Health Rapid City Emergency Department waiting room from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. MT on July 12, 2024.

Measles symptoms appear in two stages. In the first stage, the individual may have a runny nose, cough, and a slight fever. The eyes may become reddened and sensitive to light while the fever consistently rises each day. The second stage begins on the third to seventh day and consists of a temperature of 103-105°F, and a red blotchy rash lasting four to seven days. The rash usually begins on the face and then spreads over the entire body. Koplik spots (little white spots with a red background) may also appear on the gums and inside of the cheeks.

Maintaining the highest level of immunization against measles is the best preventive measure, especially if individuals are planning to travel internationally. Measles vaccine (MMR) is typically given at 12-15 months of age. The second dose of MMR is given at 4-6 years of age. The vaccine is highly effective, and two MMR shots usually produce lifelong immunity. If you are planning to travel internationally with children, MMR vaccines can be given to children starting at six months of age. People born before 1957 are likely to have been infected naturally and are presumed to be protected against measles.

Learn more about measles on the Department of Health website.

At the heart of the Department of Health's mission is a simple goal: to protect and improve the health of all South Dakotans. The department is entrusted with the vital task of promoting wellness, preventing disease, and ensuring access to quality healthcare for all South Dakotans.

###