Public Health Advisory: Measles Published Feb. 5, 2015 By 28th Medical Group Public Health 28th Medical Group Public Health ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- The 28th Medical Group Public Health office has issued a Public Health Advisory regarding measles. Measles is one of the most contagious of all infectious diseases, with approximately nine out of 10 unvaccinated persons with close contact to infected patients developing the disease. During the month of January, 102 people from 14 states were reported to have measles with most cases being linked to an amusement park in California. In December 2014, South Dakota reported its first measles case since 1997, with 13 cases being reported in Mitchell and another single case reported in Sioux Falls - all persons affected were unvaccinated. The best protection against the disease is the measles vaccine (MMR). For full protection, two doses of the vaccine are recommended, the first at age 12 months and the second by age four. The full advisory can be found by clicking here. For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control or contact the Public Health office at (605) 385-3383.