Mitchell Measles Outbreak Continues to Expand as State Issues Another Reminder to Protect Yourself
The measles tally in South Dakota continues to rise after another case was reported in Mitchell.
The Department of Health (DOH) is warning residents to make sure their immunizations are up to date and to watch for rash and other symptoms.
In a press release, the DOH also has isolated a few times and places for possible exposure in the Mitchell area.
As with previous cases, the individual was unvaccinated and a member of the same extended family group. The time periods and locations where other community members may have been exposed to the case are the Avera Queen of Peace Hospital waiting room from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Jan. 7 and the Casey’s General Store on 1st and Main from 2 to 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 10. The department is working directly with the individual’s workplace to identify any contacts.
This latest case brings the total number of cases in the outbreak to 13, with nine Mitchell area residents and four out-of-state residents.
“Please make sure your immunizations are up to date. If you were potentially exposed to this case and become ill, don’t just assume it’s flu, it could be measles,” said Dr. Lon Kightlinger, state epidemiologist for the department. “Call ahead to your doctor and tell them you may have been exposed to measles.”
Even though South Dakota is not alone in combating the very contagious disease, the DOH wants to prevent the spread of measles inside and outside the Mitchell area.