Department of Health warns of potential public exposure to measles in Hot Springs June 19-21

July 7, 2025:

The South Dakota Department of Health is notifying the public of potential measles exposure at two locations in Hot Springs, SD. An out-of-state resident with a confirmed measles infection visited these public places while infectious.

Anyone who was at the locations and times listed below may have been exposed to measles and should self-monitor for symptoms for 21 days after the exposure date. People who are not immune to measles should contact their healthcare provider to discuss protective options, including vaccination or immune globulin, depending on eligibility and timing.

• Two Cows Creamery (237 N River St, Hot Springs, SD)
  • June 19, 2025, from 12 pm to 7 pm MT
• Wandering Bison Coffee (101 N Chicago St, Hot Springs, SD)
  • June 19, 20, and 21, 2025, from 8:30 am to 11:30 am MT each day

Measles symptoms appear in two stages. In the first stage, the individual may have a runny nose, cough, and a slight fever. The eyes may become reddened and sensitive to light while the fever consistently rises each day. The second stage begins on the third to seventh day of symptoms and consists of a temperature of 103-105°F, and a red blotchy rash lasting for four to seven days. The rash usually begins on the face and then spreads down to the trunk and out to the arms and legs.

“We are sharing this information to help individuals who may have been exposed take steps to protect their health,” said Dr. Joshua Clayton, state epidemiologist. “Any South Dakotan who lack immunity from vaccination or past infection can get the MMR vaccine to prevent measles infection and its complications.”

The measles vaccine offers the best protection against infection and avoids the risks that come with infection. The following people are considered immune to measles:

• Born before 1957;
• Received 1 dose of measles vaccine (MMR) for an adult or a child 12 months to pre-school age;
• Received 2 doses of measles vaccine (MMR) for a school-aged child or an adult at higher risk of infection;
• Presence of measles antibodies shown by a lab test; and
• Previous measles infection shown by a lab test.

Measles vaccine (MMR) is typically given at 12-15 months of age. The second dose of MMR is given at 4-6 years of age. The vaccine is safe and highly effective at preventing measles infection, and two MMR doses usually produce lifelong immunity. If you are planning to travel internationally with children, MMR vaccines can be given to children starting at six months of age.

For more information about measles, visit the South Dakota Department of Health website for fact sheets, FAQs, and guidance for healthcare providers.

June 20, 2025:

In response to two newly confirmed cases of measles in South Dakota, the state Department of Health is holding public vaccination clinics for people who want to get a measles, mumps and rubella vaccine. So far, there have been four cases of measles reported in South Dakota this year.

Measles vaccine is typically given at 12-15 months of age. The second dose of MMR is given at 4-6 years of age. If you are planning to travel internationally with children, MMR vaccines can be given to children starting at six months of age.

State Epidemiologist Dr. Josh Clayton says the vaccine is safe and getting vaccinated is the most effective way to stop the spread of measles. He says the vaccine is highly effective and two MMR doses usually produce lifelong immunity. People are encouraged to check their vaccination status and take advantage of these clinics, especially if they’re unsure of their immunity.

Clayton says measles symptoms appear in two stages. In the first stage, the individual may have a runny nose, cough, and a slight fever. The eyes may become reddened and sensitive to light while the fever consistently rises each day. The second stage begins on the third to seventh day of symptoms and consists of a temperature of 103-105°F and a red blotchy rash lasting for four to seven days. The rash usually begins on the face and then spreads down to the trunk and out to the arms and legs.

The measles vaccine offers the best protection against infection and avoids the risks that come with infection. The following people are considered immune to measles:

• Born before 1957;
• Received 1 dose of measles vaccine for an adult or a child 12 months to pre-school age;
• Received 2 doses of measles vaccine for a school-aged child or an adult at higher risk of infection;
• Presence of measles antibodies shown by a lab test; and
• Previous measles infection shown by a lab test.

Of the two new cases, one person visited the Rapid City Medical Center Urgent Care waiting room (2820 Mt Rushmore Road) on June 10, 2025, from 9-11:30am MT, while infectious. Anyone who was at this location during that time may have been exposed to measles and should monitor for symptoms for 21 days following the potential exposure.

The DOH will be holding several vaccination clinics in the following communities:

• • Pierre: Monday, June 23, from 3 – 5:30 p.m. at the Hughes County Public Health Office – 740 E. Sioux Ave., Ste. 107.

  • Martin: Thursday, June 26, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Bennett County Public Health Office – 202 Main St.

  • Rapid City: Monday, June 30, from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Rapid City One Stop – 221 Mall Drive, Ste. 102.

  • Bell Fourche: Monday, June 30, 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. & July 7 from 1 – 4:30 p.m. at the Belle Fourche Public Health Office – 2398 5th Ave., Ste. 102.

  • Murdo: Monday, June 30, from 1 – 4 p.m., at the Murdo Department of Transportation – 24305 US Hwy 83 (WOW Mobile Clinic).

  • Dupree: Tuesday, July 1 from 1 – 2:30 p.m. at the Ziebach County Public Health Office – 215 S. Main St.

  • Hot Springs: July 2, from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the Fall River Public Health Office – 709 Jensen Hwy, Ste. D.

  • Custer: Thursday, July 3, from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the Custer County Public Health Office – 447 Crook St., Ste. 2.

  • Rapid City: Wednesday, July 9, from 1 – 4:30 p.m.; Tuesday, July 22, from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Rapid City One Stop – 221 Mall Drive, Ste. 102.

  • Sturgis: Wednesday, July 9 from 8:30 – 10 a.m. & 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. at the Sturgis Public Health Office – 1029 5th St.

  • Timber Lake: Wednesday, July 9, from 12 – 2 p.m. at the Dewey County Public Health Office – 1029 5th Ave.

  • Spearfish: Thursday, July 10 from 12 – 3 p.m. at the Spearfish One Stop – 120 Industrial Dr., Ste. 7.

  • Rapid City: Tuesday, July 22, from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Rapid City One Stop – 221 Mall Drive, Ste. 102.

Learn more about measles on the Department of Health website where information can be found in the form of fact sheets, frequently asked questions and a webinar for healthcare providers.

June 18, 2025:

In response to two newly confirmed cases of measles in South Dakota, the state Department of Health is holding public vaccination clinics for people who want to get a measles, mumps and rubella vaccine. So far, there have been four cases of measles reported in South Dakota this year.

Measles vaccine is typically given at 12-15 months of age. The second dose of MMR is given at 4-6 years of age. If you are planning to travel internationally with children, MMR vaccines can be given to children starting at six months of age.

State Epidemiologist Dr. Josh Clayton says the vaccine is safe and getting vaccinated is the most effective way to stop the spread of measles. He says the vaccine is highly effective and two MMR doses usually produce lifelong immunity. People are encouraged to check their vaccination status and take advantage of these clinics, especially if they’re unsure of their immunity.

Clayton says measles symptoms appear in two stages. In the first stage, the individual may have a runny nose, cough, and a slight fever. The eyes may become reddened and sensitive to light while the fever consistently rises each day. The second stage begins on the third to seventh day of symptoms and consists of a temperature of 103-105°F and a red blotchy rash lasting for four to seven days. The rash usually begins on the face and then spreads down to the trunk and out to the arms and legs.

The measles vaccine offers the best protection against infection and avoids the risks that come with infection. The following people are considered immune to measles:

• Born before 1957;
• Received 1 dose of measles vaccine for an adult or a child 12 months to pre-school age;
• Received 2 doses of measles vaccine for a school-aged child or an adult at higher risk of infection;
• Presence of measles antibodies shown by a lab test; and
• Previous measles infection shown by a lab test.

Of the two new cases, one person visited the Rapid City Medical Center Urgent Care waiting room (2820 Mt Rushmore Road) on June 10, 2025, from 9-11:30am MT, while infectious. Anyone who was at this location during that time may have been exposed to measles and should monitor for symptoms for 21 days following the potential exposure.

The DOH will be holding several vaccination clinics in the following communities:

• Pierre: Monday, June 23, from 3 – 5:30 p.m. at the Hughes County Public Health Office – 740 E. Sioux Ave., Ste. 107.
• Martin: Thursday, June 26, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Bennett County Public Health Office – 202 Main St.
• Murdo: Monday, June 23, from 1 0 4 p.m., at the Murdo Department of Transportation – 24305 US Hwy 83 (WOW Mobile Clinic).
• Bell Fourche: Monday, June 30, 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. & July 7 from 1 – 4:30 p.m. at the Belle Fourche Public Health Office – 2398 5th Ave., Ste. 102.
• Dupree: Tuesday, July 1 from 1 – 2:30 p.m. at the Ziebach County Public Health Office – 215 S. Main St.
• Hot Springs: July 2, from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the Fall River Public Health Office – 709 Jensen Hwy, Ste. D.
• Custer: Thursday, July 3, from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the Custer County Public Health Office – 447 Crook St., Ste. 2.
• Rapid City: Wednesday, July 9, from 1 – 4:30 p.m. & Tuesday, July 22, from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Rapid City One Stop – 221 Mall Drive, Ste. 102.
• Sturgis: Wednesday, July 9 from 8:30 – 10 a.m. & 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. at the Sturgis Public Health Office – 1029 5th St.
• Timber Lake: Wednesday, July 9, from 12 – 2 p.m. at the Dewey County Public Health Office – 1029 5th Ave.
• Spearfish: Thursday, July 10 from 12 – 3 p.m. at the Spearfish One Stop – 120 Industrial Dr., Ste. 7.

Learn more about measles on the Department of Health website where information can be found in the form of fact sheets, frequently asked questions and a webinar for healthcare providers.

June 3, 2025:

Add South Dakota to the list of states reporting at least one case of measles this year (2025).

The state Department of Health says an adult in Meade County developed a measles infection after traveling internationally. The person visited several public locations, so community members may have been exposed to measles during the following times and locations:

• May 28, 2025, from 7:15 am to 10 am MT at the Rapid City Medical Center Urgent Care waiting room in Rapid City (2820 Mt Rushmore Road)
• May 29, 2025, from 9:45 am to 3 pm MT at the Monument Health Sturgis Urgent Care waiting room in Sturgis (2140 Junction Ave.)

Persons who were in those locations during that time are asked to self-monitor for measles symptoms for 21 days. The symptoms appear in two stages.

1. In the first stage, the individual may have a runny nose, cough, and a slight fever. The eyes may become reddened and sensitive to light while the fever consistently rises each day.
2. The second stage begins on the third to seventh day of symptoms and consists of a temperature of 103-105°F, and a red blotchy rash lasting for four to seven days. The rash usually begins on the face and then spreads down to the trunk and out to the arms and legs.

State Epidemiologist Dr. Joshua Clayton says measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through the air from an infected person. He says individuals who lack immunity from vaccination or past infection have a high risk of contracting measles if they have contact with an infected person.

Clayton says the measles vaccine offers the best protection against infection and the risks that come with contracting measles. The first measles vaccine (MMR) is typically given at 12-15 months of age and the second dose is given at 4-6 years of age. He says the vaccine is highly effective at preventing measles, and two MMR doses usually produce lifelong immunity.

Clayton says if you are planning to travel internationally with children, MMR vaccines can be given to children starting at six months of age.

The following people are considered immune to measles:

• Born before 1957;
• Received 1 dose of measles vaccine for an adult;
• Received 2 doses of measles vaccine for a child or an adult at higher risk of infection;
• Presence of measles antibodies, as shown by a lab test; and
• Previous measles infection, as shown by a lab test.

Learn more about measles on the Department of Health website where information can be found in the form of fact sheets, frequently asked questions, and a webinar for healthcare providers.