Health officials in Wisconsin have reported a potential exposure to measles linked to two travel stops visited by an out-of-state traveler. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services announced that individuals who were at the Flying J Travel Center in Roberts and the Pilot Travel Center in Beloit on August 4 may have come into contact with the virus.
The exposure timeframe for the Flying J Travel Center was between 7:15 a.m. and 10 a.m., while the Pilot Travel Center’s exposure window was from 11:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Health officials are urging anyone who was present during these times to verify their immunization status against measles. Symptoms can take up to 21 days to manifest, and those exposed on August 4 could start showing signs by approximately August 25.
Individuals experiencing symptoms such as a runny nose, high fever, fatigue, cough, sensitivity to light, and a red rash with raised bumps are advised to stay away from public places and consult a healthcare provider.
This year, Wisconsin has reported a total of nine cases of measles, all occurring in Oconto County during July. Neighboring Minnesota has also experienced a rise in measles cases, with five reported so far this year. Health experts attribute this increase to declining vaccination rates; in 2019, over 92% of Minnesota kindergarteners were fully vaccinated, but that figure dropped to 87% in 2024.
The implications of declining vaccination rates are concerning. Last year, Minnesota recorded 70 cases of measles, representing about one-third of the total cases in the state since 2010. The situation emphasizes the need for public awareness and action regarding immunization.
Officials continue to monitor the situation closely, and residents are encouraged to stay informed about their vaccination status to help prevent further outbreaks.
