Julie McCollum, the Sawyer County health officer, told the board on Sept. 9 that Wisconsin had reported 25 confirmed measles cases and that the U.S. total stood at 1,431 for the year, the highest annual number since 1993. McCollum said the county’s confirmed cases in Wisconsin were largely among unvaccinated people and emphasized vaccination as the primary prevention tool.

"We have 25 confirmed cases, and all were not vaccinated," McCollum said. She reminded the board that one dose of measles vaccine is about 93% effective and two doses about 97% effective.

McCollum also highlighted county harm‑reduction and public‑health events: a Clean Sweep collection for sharps, unwanted medications and household hazardous waste at the Sawyer County Fairgrounds next Tuesday from 2 to 6 p.m.; local Walk for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention events in Hayward and Winter; and a second annual community stakeholder meeting to discuss the community health improvement plan and gaps analysis on Oct. 30 at LCO University.

The health officer noted the county’s Vaccine for Children program covers eligible uninsured and underinsured children and that many private and tribal insurance plans cover routine childhood vaccinations. She also said some families who decline vaccination indicated they might seek vaccination if disease transmission is present in the state or region.

Why it matters: A localized measles outbreak increases the risk for unvaccinated residents and vulnerable groups, and county public health is emphasizing vaccination access and partner coordination. The Clean Sweep event provides an opportunity to dispose of sharps and unwanted medications safely and to reduce household hazardous-waste risks.

Next steps: Public health will continue surveillance, encourage vaccination, and hold the advertised community events; staff asked the board to help spread awareness of vaccine availability and of the Clean Sweep and stakeholder meeting dates.