PIERRE, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – On Monday, the South Dakota Department of Health reported the first confirmed case of measles in South Dakota for 2025.
An adult in Meade County developed a measles infection after traveling internationally.
The measles patient visited several public locations, and anyone who has been in those areas is asked to self-monitor for measles symptoms for 21 days.
Community members may have been exposed to measles during the following times and locations:
- Rapid City Medical Center Urgent Care waiting room (2820 Mt Rushmore Road, Rapid City, SD)
- May 28, 2025, from 7:15 am to 10 am MT
- Monument Health Sturgis Urgent Care waiting room (2140 Junction Ave, Sturgis, SD)
- May 29, 2025, from 9:45 am to 3 pm MT
Measles symptoms occur in 2 stages, with the first stage including a runny nose, cough, slight fever, and sensitive, red eyes.
The second stage, beginning on days 3 to 7, features a high fever of 103-105°F and a red blotchy rash that lasts 4 to 7 days, starting on the face and spreading to the trunk, arms, and legs.
“Individuals who lack immunity from vaccination or past infection are at high risk of measles infection if they have contact with an infected person,” said Dr. Joshua Clayton, state epidemiologist.
The following people are considered immune to measles:
- Born before 1957;
- Received 1 dose of measles vaccine (MMR) for an adult;
- Received 2 doses of measles vaccine (MMR) for a child or an adult at higher risk of infection;
- Presence of measles antibodies shown by a lab test; and
- Previous measles infection is shown by a lab test.
The measles vaccine (MMR) is typically given at 12-15 months of age. The second dose of MMR is given at 4-6 years of age.
The vaccine is highly effective at preventing measles infection, and two MMR doses usually produce lifelong immunity.
If you are going to be traveling internationally with children, MMR vaccines can be given to children starting at 6 months of age.
Learn more about measles here.
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