In response to three confirmed measles cases in South Dakota, the state Department of Health launched a series of vaccination clinics last month, including an MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) clinic held Wednesday in Sturgis. The goal: push statewide immunization rates to 90% and prevent a larger outbreak.
“Measles is highly contagious and can be very serious. Vaccination is our strongest line of defense,” said Wade Huntington, Assistant Director of Public Health Nursing Services. With the virus able to linger in the air for up to two hours and national cases rising—from 285 in 2024 to more than 1,300 so far this year—the urgency is growing.
The spike in national measles numbers, fueled by declining vaccination rates, has prompted more South Dakotans to act. Around 100 people have received the vaccine over the past month, a notable increase over previous totals.
Parents in particular are opting to vaccinate children sooner than planned, influenced by increased media coverage and public health messaging. “As soon as your child is eligible according to the schedule, that’s the best time to get vaccinated,” Huntington emphasized.
The Department of Health urges anyone unsure of their immunization status to contact their healthcare provider or visit its website for more information.
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