The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has confirmed nine cases of measles in Oconto County, marking the first instances of the year in the state.

DHS is collaborating with Oconto County Public Health to identify and notify individuals who may have been exposed to the virus.

All confirmed cases are linked to a common source during out-of-state travel, and no public points of exposure have been identified, resulting in a low risk to the community.

Currently, the overall risk to the public is considered low, according to health officials.

One case was confirmed through testing at the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, while the other eight cases were identified based on exposure and symptoms.

Measles is highly contagious and can be transmitted through the air, remaining viable for up to two hours after an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Health experts note that measles can infect up to 90% of unvaccinated individuals who come into contact with an infected person.

Vaccination with the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended, with two doses providing 97% effectiveness against the disease.

Individuals exhibiting symptoms of measles are advised to stay home and contact their healthcare provider before seeking in-person care.

Symptoms of measles typically develop 10 to 21 days after exposure and include a runny nose, high fever, tiredness, cough, red watery eyes, and a characteristic rash.

Serious health complications from measles can include pneumonia, brain damage, deafness, and, in some cases, death.

DHS confirmed that all individuals contracted the virus during out-of-state travel from a common source.