The South Dakota Department of Health has confirmed six cases of measles within the state after the initial diagnosis of one case yesterday. After investigating those who came in contact with the five year old child in Davison County, there are now six people, ages 5 to 41, who are confirmed to have measles. State epidemiologist, Dr. Lon Kightlinger, says none of the individuals were vaccinated. He urges everyone to get vaccinated who isn’t already.
He says the infection period may not last very long, but the disease spreads rapidly during that time.
Kightlinger says measles is one of the most contagious diseases because it is airborne and can remain in a room up to two hours after an infected person has left. One of the six cases in Davison County is someone from out-of-state, but is still in South Dakota.
