Local health officials urge precautions about measles

The Winneshiek County Public Health Department has issued a letter to parents about the recent outbreaks of measles across the country.

The letter describes measles as "a severe, life-threatening disease" that is highly contagious and is spread easily.  Symptoms include cough, congestion, runny nose/eyes, fever greater than 101 degrees and THEN a dramatic rash.

Vaccination for measles is given at 12 months of age and again just prior to entering kindergarten. Most children in school do have this vaccination as it is a requirement to be in school. However, there are some children who cannot receive vaccinations due to medical reasons. There are also parents who have religious exemptions in place for their children not to receive vaccinations.  The 2014-15 Winneshiek County immunization audit just completed indicates that 20 children have medical exemptions (meaning they cannot receive vaccinations) and 79 children have religious exemptions in place. If there is a case of measles in school or child care, Iowa Department of Public Health and Winneshiek County Public Health may demand that all unvaccinated children be removed from school/child care for up to 30 days.  Public Health officials say such a quarantine would be done "for their own protection and to prevent the spread of measles."

If you have any questions, please call Winneshiek County Public Health at 563-382-4662.