The Department of Health is holding a series of public vaccination clinics in response to newly confirmed cases of measles in South Dakota.
Health officials say they’ve identified two more measles cases, bringing the state’s total to four this year.
State epidemiologist Joshua Clayton said getting vaccinated is the best way to stop the spread of the highly contagious virus. He’s encouraging anyone who’s not vaccinated or unsure of their vaccination status to attend one of these clinics.
The communities hosting these clinics include:
- Pierre: Monday, June 23, from 3 – 5:30 p.m. at the Hughes County Public Health Office – 740 E. Sioux Ave., Ste. 107.
- Martin: Thursday, June 26, from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Bennett County Public Health Office – 202 Main St.
- Murdo: Monday, June 23, from 1 0 4 p.m., at the Murdo Department of Transportation – 24305 US Hwy 83 (WOW Mobile Clinic).
- Bell Fourche: Monday, June 30, 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. & July 7 from 1 – 4:30 p.m. at the Belle Fourche Public Health Office – 2398 5th Ave., Ste. 102.
- Dupree: Tuesday, July 1 from 1 – 2:30 p.m. at the Ziebach County Public Health Office – 215 S. Main St.
- Hot Springs: July 2, from 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the Fall River Public Health Office – 709 Jensen Hwy, Ste. D.
- Custer: Thursday, July 3, from 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the Custer County Public Health Office – 447 Crook St., Ste. 2.
- Rapid City: Wednesday, July 9, from 1 – 4:30 p.m. & Tuesday, July 22, from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Rapid City One Stop – 221 Mall Drive, Ste. 102.
- Sturgis: Wednesday, July 9 from 8:30 – 10 a.m. & 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. at the Sturgis Public Health Office – 1029 5th St.
- Timber Lake: Wednesday, July 9, from 12 – 2 p.m. at the Dewey County Public Health Office – 1029 5th Ave.
- Spearfish: Thursday, July 10 from 12 – 3 p.m. at the Spearfish One Stop – 120 Industrial Dr., Ste. 7.
One of the newly confirmed cases involved an individual who visited the Rapid City Medical Center Urgent Care waiting room on June 10 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. MT while infectious. Officials say nanyone who was at this location during that time may have been exposed to measles and should monitor for symptoms for 21 days following the potential exposure.
Measles symptoms appear in two stages, according to the Department of Health. 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 of symptoms and consists of a temperature of 103-105°F, and a red blotchy rash lasting for four to seven days. The rash usually begins on the face and then spreads down to the trunk and out to the arms and legs.