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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Five more people have been diagnosed with measles in South Dakota, bringing the total number of cases to six.
The three adults and three minors are part of a large extended family and none of them had been vaccinated against the virus, state epidemiologist Lon Kightlinger said Wednesday. The six cases — the first in the state since 1997 — have been reported in Davison County.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can cause permanent brain damage or even death. It is spread by direct contact with nasal or throat secretions of infected people or, less frequently, by airborne transmission.
Kightlinger said health officials are in the process of tracking down other people who have been in contact with the six individuals, one of whom does not live in South Dakota resident but traveled there for the holidays. He said the state is not limiting the travels of the ill nonresident.
"We do expect to have more cases because measles is a highly contagious disease," Kightlinger said. "However, the greater population is not at risk, the people who are not vaccinated are the ones who are at risk, especially in Davison County."
Kightlinger said vaccination rates in the state are "quite high." He said records in the affected county show nearly 94 percent of children in the 2-year-old range are vaccinated against the virus. Statewide, 93 percent of children in that age range have been vaccinated.
Kightlinger said that statistic goes up to 97 percent for kindergarteners and 94 percent for teenagers, as the vaccine is required to be admitted into schools.
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