DOH is requesting clinicians remain vigilant for persons presenting with fever and rash and performing measles testing by PCR if measles infection is suspected.
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.
If you suspect measles: Isolate the patient to a room, adhere to infection control guidelines, and immediately call DOH at 800-592-1861 to report the illness. Testing support is available at the South Dakota Public Health Laboratory. Collect a nasopharyngeal swab (NP swab), store in viral transport media, and send the swab to the South Dakota Public Health Laboratory for measles PCR testing.
If a person is exposed to measles: Measles vaccination can be administered within 72 hours of exposure for persons identified as close contacts, such as persons living in the same household.
How to prevent measles: Review your vaccination history. You are considered immune if you have two doses of measles-containing vaccines (MMR or MMRV) or have a prior history of disease [typically includes persons born before 1957 when childhood measles infection was common].
Learn more about measles on the Department of Health website.
