BROWN COUNTY, Wis. — Three local health departments near Green Bay are recommending that local residents and visitors check if they are vaccinated for measles ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft this month, which is expected to draw in thousands of visitors from around the country.

What You Need To Know

  • Health departments near Green Bay have recommended that people check their measles vaccination status ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft

  • Measles cases have spiked this year, with 483 confirmed cases

  • 97% of these cases are in people who are unvaccinated or with an unknown vaccination status

This year has already seen a high number of measles cases, with 483 confirmed cases across 19 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which is already greater than last year’s total of 285 cases. 

There has already been one death attributed to measles this year, and another under CDC investigation.

“Measles is one of the most easily spread diseases, and a person who is infected can pass the virus to others before developing any symptoms of their own,” said Michelle Tipple, Oneida Nation community/public health officer. “The virus travels through the air on droplets of saliva and is spread by a sick person coughing or sneezing.”

97% of the confirmed cases were in people that were unvaccinated for the virus or with an unknown vaccination status. The CDC recommends people get two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine to protect against the virus.

“If you don’t have access to your vaccination history or proof of immunization, we recommend discussing MMR vaccination with your provider,” said De Pere Health Department Director Chrystal Woller. “Public Health recommends getting vaccinated with the MMR vaccine, as there is no harm in receiving an extra dose, especially if you are unsure of your immunity.” 

Measles can be more serious in young children. One in five children with measles will be hospitalized, with one in 20 developing pneumonia.

The CDC says that symptoms usually develop seven to 14 days after infection. Symptoms typically begin as a fever, cough and runny nose, and then develop into a spotty rash.

Officials recommend taking steps to avoid spreading the virus to others if you believe you’ve been exposed.

“Due to how easily the measles can spread, stay home and away from others, and do not go directly to your doctor’s office, emergency room, or urgent care if you think you or your child has been exposed,” said Brown County Public Health Officer Anna Nick. “Instead, it is important you call your healthcare provider immediately to talk about what to do next.”

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