While we were busy taking precautions for influenza season, the first case of measles has been reported in South Dakota. A child, whom the Associated Press has said, "is less than 5 years old," has contracted the highly contagious virus.

The state health department is working on contacting people who have been exposed or spent time with the unvaccinated Davidson county boy.

State Epidemiologist Lon Kightlinger says measles is on the rise nationally, and he encourages South Dakota residents to make sure immunizations are up to date.

This is the first case of measles reported in South Dakota in nearly 18 years.

The associated Press has contributed to this report

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