Low Measles Risk in Wyoming

A Wyoming Department of Health official says increased cases of measles in some areas of the United States show why vaccination is important, but extra vaccine doses or boosters for state residents are not currently needed.

There has not been a reported case of measles in Wyoming since 2010, according to Dr. Alexia Harrist, Wyoming state health officer and state epidemiologist.

However, more than 700 measles cases, the most since 1994, have been confirmed across the country this year by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The majority involved unvaccinated people.

Bill Crampton, Nursing Supervisor for the Park County Public Health Office, says measles should be taken seriously.

However, Crampton adds that while they are concerned about the growth in measles cases across the country, no new or extra actions should be needed in Wyoming at this point.

Measles begins in most people with fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes and sore throat, followed by a rash that spreads over the body.

The illness is still common in many parts of the world including some countries in Europe, Asia, the Pacific and Africa.