VIROQUA, Wis. -- Local officials said that a case of measles has been confirmed at Viroqua in western Wisconsin, and the Vernon County Health Department will be offering immunizations.

Department director Beth Johnson said Wednesday that information is being sent to area schools, and more information will be released later.

Measles, or rubeola, is a respiratory viral infection that is highly contagious and characterized by a rash, cough, runny nose, red eyes and high fever.

The Milwaukee area has had six confirmed cases of measles and two confirmed cases of rubella, or German measles, in recent weeks.

Rubella, also a respiratory viral infection, is a mild disease in adults and children but extremely dangerous to women who are pregnant because of its effects on the fetus.