Public Health Notice: Potential Measles Exposure in Milbank and Brookings

Public Health Notice: Potential Measles Exposure in Milbank and Brookings

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 4, 2026
MEDIA CONTACT: Tia Kafka, DOHMedia@state.sd.us

Public Health Notice: Potential Measles Exposure in Milbank and Brookings

PIERRE, S.D. – The Department of Health is notifying the public of potential measles exposures in Milbank and Brookings. An adult Grant County resident with a confirmed measles infection visited several locations while infectious.

Listed below are the dates, times, and locations of the potential exposures:

Milbank VFW Bar
205 S 3rd St, Milbank, SD | Jan. 30, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. CT

Sly’s Steakhouse
1012 S Dakota St, Milbank, SD | Jan. 30, 2026, from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. CT

Wrestling Tournament at Brookings High School
530 Elm Ave, Brookings, SD | Jan. 31, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT

Ice Hockey Game at Larsen Ice Center
924 32nd Ave, Brookings, SD | Jan. 31, 2026, from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. CT

Pints & Quarts
313 Main Ave, Brookings, SD | Jan. 31, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. CT

“As South Dakotans, it is our personal responsibility to help prevent the spread of measles in our state,” said Dr. Joshua Clayton, state epidemiologist. “Following DOH guidance after a known exposure to measles is crucial. Knowing your immune status, monitoring for symptoms, and staying home if you feel sick are critical steps to protect yourself, your family, and your community.”

If you have been exposed, please self-monitor for symptoms for 21 days following the exposure date. People who are not immune to measles, or unsure of their status, should contact their medical provider to discuss protective options, including vaccination or immune globulin.

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 and consists of a temperature of 103-105°F, and a red blotchy rash lasting four to seven days. The rash usually begins on the face and then spreads over the entire body.

Maintaining the highest level of immunization against measles is the best recommended measure, especially if individuals are planning to travel internationally. 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 highly effective, and two MMR shots 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. People born before 1957 are likely to have been infected naturally and are presumed to be protected against measles.

Learn more about measles on the Department of Health website.

At the heart of the Department of Health’s mission is a simple goal: to protect and improve the health of all South Dakotans. The department is entrusted with the vital task of promoting wellness, preventing disease, and ensuring access to quality healthcare for all South Dakotans.

February 4, 2026
Infectious Disease | Immunizations and Vaccines

Contact:
DOHMedia@state.sd.us

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