Health officials are warning about a potential measles exposure at a school in northeast South Dakota.
The Department of Health said it happened Jan. 15 at Milbank Elementary. A student with a confirmed case of measles was present at the school while infectious.
Department officials said any children who were exposed and have not had a vaccine are excluded from school activities for three weeks. They're advising parents to monitor children for symptoms for 21 days after exposure.
Early symptoms are similar to a common cold, but after a few days, they worsen to include a high fever and a rash that lasts up to a week.
According to a DOH statement, measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads easily from person to person. It is transmitted through the air and can remain in the air for up to two hours after the person leaves the area.
"Measles can cause serious health complications, especially for infants, young children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems," the statement said.
Vaccination offers the best protection against measles, the DOH said.