The Department of Health is alerting the public to the risk of measles exposure at the Rapid City Regional Airport last week.
The announcement says a Butte County resident with a confirmed measles infection was at the airport from 10:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. on December 10th. The health department is urging anyone who was at the airport during that time to self-monitor for symptoms through December 31st.
Early measles symptoms include a runny nose, cough, fever and red, sensitive eyes. The second stage of symptoms include a 103-105°F fever and a blotchy rash. The rash often begins on the face and expands to the torso and limbs.
People who are not immune and may have been exposed should contact their healthcare provider to discuss protective options.
State epidemiologist Dr. Joshua Clayton says in the statement, "Any South Dakotan[s] who lack immunity from vaccination or past infection can get the MMR vaccine to prevent measles infection and its complication."
The Department of Health adds the following people are considered immune to measles:
- Born before 1957
- Received 1 dose of measles vaccine (MMR) for an adult or child 12 months to pre-school age
- Received 2 doses of measles vaccine (MMR) for a school-aged child or an adult at higher risk of infection
- Presence of measles antibodies show by a lab test
- Previous measles infection shown by a lab test
Further information is available at the South Dakota Department of Health website.
