Measles
RAPID CITY HOSPITAL WOMEN'S AND CHILDREN'S MEASLES VISITATION POLICY
Updated June 26, 2025
In response to increasing measles cases in the region, Monument Health Rapid City Hospital has announced an immediate change to its visitor policy for Labor & Delivery, Neonatal Intensive Care, Pediatric Intensive Care and Pediatric inpatient units.
Effective immediately, the updated policy is designed to protect vulnerable patients, including infants and pregnant mothers, from exposure to this highly contagious disease.
Updated Visitor Guidelines:
Labor & Delivery:
- One designated support person will be permitted for the duration of the mother’s stay. This may include a spouse, legal guardian of the newborn or a doula.
- Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU), Pediatric Intensive Care (PICU) and Pediatric Inpatients:
- Two designated support individuals will be permitted upon admission and for the duration of the child’s stay. This may include the birth mother and spouse, legal guardians or a doula (NICU only).
No additional visitors will be permitted. Support persons may not switch out after admission.
“These precautions are designed to protect our most vulnerable patients,” said Brad Archer, Chief Medical Officer of Monument Health. “Measles poses serious health risks to newborns, children, and those with compromised immune systems. We understand that limiting visitors is difficult, but we must prioritize safety.”
Measles, eliminated as an endemic disease in the U.S. in 2000, has returned in recent years due to declining vaccination rates and increasing international transmission. Experts now believe measles is likely to remain a recurring, preventable public health threat in the United States for the foreseeable future.
Consequently, Monument Health is actively working with clinical and public health experts to design a long-term measles response framework that will ensure ongoing protection for patients, staff, and the community.
What You Should Know About Measles
The South Dakota Department of Health has confirmed the first case of measles in the state. Measles is highly contagious and can be serious, so it’s crucial to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions.
The best protection against measles is the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. MMR vaccine provides long-lasting protection against all strains of measles.
What should I do if my child or I have measles symptoms?
Do not go directly to a health care facility. First, isolate yourself, or your child and call ahead. If you are in Western South Dakota, the Monument Health Nurse Triage Line is free and able to help those with concerns regarding measles. Call 605-755-1350 to speak with a nurse before visiting a health care facility.
What are symptoms of measles?
Initial symptoms: Runny nose, cough, fever that rises daily, reddened eyes that are sensitive to light.
Later symptoms: High fever (103-105°F) and a red, blotchy rash that starts on the face and spreads downward
If you are experiencing symptoms, isolate and call your health care provider or the free Nurse Triage Line at 605-755-1350.
How does measles spread?
The measles virus lives in the nose and throat mucus of an infected person. It is highly contagious and is spread to others through coughing and sneezing. Measles can live for up to 2 hours in an airspace after an infected person leaves the area. If you have measles, up to 90% of the people close to you, who are not immune, will also become infected. An infected person can spread measles to others even before knowing they have the disease. You can spread measles to others from 4 days before through 4 days after the rash appears.
Is measles deadly?
Measles can be dangerous for young children especially. In some cases it can be fatal. Complications due to measles can cause the following:
- blindness
- encephalitis (an infection causing brain swelling and potentially brain damage)
- severe diarrhea and related dehydration
- ear infections
- severe breathing problems including pneumonia
How do I know if I’m immune to measles?
The measles vaccine offers the best protection against infection and avoids the risks that come with infection. If you meet any of the following criteria, you are considered immune to measles:
- Born before 1957
- Received 1 dose of measles vaccine (MMR) for an adult;
- Received 2 doses of measles vaccine (MMR) for a child or an adult at higher risk of infection
- Presence of measles antibodies shown by a lab test
- Previous measles infection shown by a lab test
To confirm if you or your child received the MMR vaccine, contact your primary care provider. If you don’t have a primary care provider, you can request your immunization record through the State of South Dakota or get a blood test to check for immunities.
If you have a MyChart account, you can access your vaccination records anytime.
Where can I receive a measles test?
Call your local health care provider or Monument Health Nurse Triage Line at 605-755-1350 to see if a test is necessary. Do not go directly to a health care facility if you suspect measles; call ahead.
Where can I get a vaccine?
Monument Health offers the Measles (MMR) vaccine at a number of locations, call our Nurse Triage Line at 605-755-1350 for a location near you.
