The Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) has confirmed a case of measles in an unvaccinated child from Natrona County. Measles is a highly contagious infection that can cause severe illness. The source of the child’s measles exposure was not identified. This case is the first reported in Wyoming since 2010.

The child was in the Banner Wyoming Medical Center (1233 E. Second St., Casper, Wyoming) Emergency Department Waiting Room while infectious at the following times:

June 24, 2025 11AM through 1PM
June 25, 2025, 12:55PM through 2:55PM

Persons in this location at the identified times were possibly exposed to measles. The WDH is working with Banner Wyoming Medical Center to notify these individuals. “We are asking individuals who were potentially exposed to self-monitor for measles symptoms for 21 days past the exposure date, and consider avoiding crowded public places or high-risk settings such as daycare centers,” said Dr. Alexia Harrist, State Health Officer with WDH.

Monitoring for symptoms is especially critical for people who have not been vaccinated with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Infants less than 1 year old who are too young to receive the MMR vaccine, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk for infection and severe disease; WDH recommends these individuals contact their healthcare providers regarding their potential measles exposure.

If you were at this location during the exposure window and develop symptoms, immediately contact your healthcare provider by phone. If you do not have a provider, call an urgent care center or emergency department and explain that you may have been exposed to measles. Calling ahead helps prevent additional exposures.

People exposed to measles typically develop symptoms 7 to 21 days after exposure. Symptoms include:

Fever;
Cough;
Runny nose;
Red eyes; and,
A characteristic rash that usually starts several days later on the face and spreads down the body.

People who have received the MMR vaccine or were born before 1957 are generally considered immune. Booster doses are not necessary for persons who are fully vaccinated against measles.

If you are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated, it is especially important to closely monitor for symptoms during the 21 days after a possible exposure. If additional cases occur, the MMR vaccine, given within 72 hours after exposure, can prevent infection. Unvaccinated individuals or those unsure of their immunity should talk to their healthcare provider about receiving the MMR vaccine.

“Measles is one of the most contagious diseases we know, but it is preventable,” said Dr. Harrist. “The MMR vaccine is safe and highly effective, providing long-lasting protection. Two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective in preventing measles, and we recommend that all Wyoming residents ensure they and their children are up to date on MMR vaccinations.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Prevent mosquito bites to prevent West Nile virus infection.

With mosquito season ramping up, the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) urges people to protect themselves from mosquito bites this summer to help prevent West Nile virus (WNV) infection.

“We have already had mosquitoes with positive tests for WNV this season,” said Courtney Tillman, epidemiologist with WDH. “As the weather warms up and we spend more time outdoors, we need to remember to take steps to prevent mosquito bites and potential WNV infection.”

WNV is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people with WNV don’t have any symptoms, but people who develop symptoms report fever, headache, body aches, skin rash, and swollen lymph nodes. Symptoms may begin two to fourteen (14) days after a mosquito bite. A very small number of individuals develop West Nile neuroinvasive disease with symptoms such as severe headache, fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, or paralysis. People over the age of 50 with chronic diseases are more likely to develop serious illness.

“We can take simple steps to prevent mosquitoes around our homes and to protect ourselves against mosquito bites,” Tillman said.

To prevent mosquitoes around the home:

● Drain standing water - Mosquitoes lay eggs in shallow, standing water. Prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs around your home by draining standing water or getting rid of objects that hold water. This includes keeping gutters cleaned and free of debris.

● Kill mosquito larvae - Use larvicides, such as Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, for water that does not drain, such as ornamental ponds and water features. Always follow product instructions.

● Use window screens - Mosquitoes may try to come indoors. Use tightly-fitted screens in windows to prevent them from entering.

● Keep lawns trimmed and weed-free - Mosquitoes use tall grass and weeds as resting spots. Keep grass trimmed and weeds removed to keep mosquitoes away.

To prevent mosquito bites:

● Use insect repellent - When spending time outdoors, use an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved repellent containing DEET, picardin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, or IR3535. Always follow label instructions when applying insect repellents. Many repellents are safe for children and babies and wash off at bathtime.

● Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants - Wear loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts and pants while outdoors. Treating outdoor clothing with permethrin can add an extra layer of protection.

● Avoid dawn and dusk - Mosquitoes that spread WNV are most active during dawn and dusk. Avoid being outdoors during these times.

Information from WDH about West Nile virus can be found at www.badskeeter.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, May 23, 2025

Summer Illnesses Linked to Water, Animals Can Be Avoided

Avoiding certain illnesses linked to water fun and animal activities during summer is possible by following a series common-sense do’s and don’ts, according to the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH).

“Many things we commonly do during Wyoming’s warmer months can sometimes cause unpleasant stomach-related symptoms and occasionally serious illness,” says Courtney Tillman, epidemiologist with WDH. “We want Wyoming residents to safely enjoy their favorite summer activities.”

Diseases such as cryptosporidiosis, giardiasis and shigellosis are diarrheal illnesses caused by swallowing water from pools or outdoor sources contaminated with animal or human feces. These illnesses, along with salmonellosis, campylobacteriosis and E. coli-related illnesses, can also result from direct contact with animals or their feces during animal-related activities such as brandings or petting zoos.

Matt Peterson, another WDH epidemiologist, said, “Every year, we see new cases of salmonellosis linked to backyard poultry.” Most of these cases involve children under 5 who have touched or held baby poultry in ranch supply stores or whose family have recently acquired baby poultry. Young children are more likely to get sick with Salmonella because their immune systems are still developing and they are more likely to put their fingers or other items with germs into their mouths.

“Do not allow young children to touch live poultry, such as chicks and ducklings, or anything in the area where these birds live and roam without supervision,” warns Peterson. “Backyard poultry can carry Salmonella germs in their droppings and on their bodies, even if they appear healthy and clean. These germs can easily spread to their cages, coops, hay, plants and soil in the areas where they live and roam. If children are involved in chores like gathering eggs, supervise them closely and ensure they wash their hands thoroughly before moving on to other activities.”

Tillman added, “You should always wash your hands after coming into contact with animals or their habitats. It’s best to clean hands with running water and soap. If you can’t immediately access running water and soap, use hand sanitizer until you’re able to wash your hands.”

“Water sources and animals may look clean to us, but we simply can’t tell that way whether they are contaminated,” Tillman said.

Simple things we can do to help protect ourselves and others include:

· DO stay out of the water if sick with diarrhea.

· DO shower before getting in the water. When chlorine mixes with dirt, sweat, pee and poop, there is less chlorine available to kill germs.

· DO take kids on bathroom breaks or check diapers every hour. Change diapers away from the water to keep germs from getting in.

· DO dry ears thoroughly with a towel after getting out of the water.

· DO boil or use a filter or solution designed to remove germs from streams, rivers and lakes before drinking.

· DO wash hands thoroughly after coming into contact with animals and their habitats, before preparing food and before eating and drinking.

Actions to avoid include:

· DON’T swallow swimming water and avoid getting water in the mouth.

· DON’T poop or pee in swimming water.

· DON’T sit or stand on jets at splash pads. Sitting or standing on jets can rinse poop off butts.

· DON’T let children kiss animals or put objects in their mouths after touching animals.

· DON’T touch wild animals or their carcasses. If concerned about a wild animal or animal carcass, contact your local animal control office.

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