Elementary Parents Notified Possible Measles Exposure
Elementary Parents Notified Possible Measles Exposure
Families of the Milbank School District were notified by letter from the South Dakota Department of Health that there had been the possibility of exposure to measles. The school district posted a copy of the letter to its social meda outlet on Tuesday, January 27.
The letter stated: The South Dakota Department of Health (SD-DOH) is notifying you of a potential measles exposure at Milbank Elementary on January 15, 2026. A student with a confirmed measles infection was present at school while infectious.
Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads easily from person to person. It is transmitted through the air when an infected person breaths, coughs, or sneezes and can remain in the air for up to two hours after the person leaves the area. Measles can cause serious health complications, especially for infants, young children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.
Measles symptoms appear in two stages. Early symptoms may include a runny nose, cough, red or watery eyes that are sensitive to light, and a mild fever that gradually increases. Later symptoms usually begin three to seven days after the initial symptoms and include a high fever (103-105 F) and a red, blotchy rash that lasts four to seven days. The rash typically starts on the face and spreads to the trunk, arms and legs.
The letter includes information about immunization. and recommends monitoring for symptoms for 21 days after exposure.
“If your child develops symptoms consistent with measles, contact your healthcare provider and notify SD-DOH at 605-773-3737. If possible, call ahead before visiting a healthcare facility and inform the staff of the potential measles exposure,” the announcement stated.
