Latest update on the Measles outbreak in Wisconsin
Sep 14, 2026, 5:16 PM CT
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On Friday, (September 11), the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) updated its measles data dashboard, revealing that an ongoing regional outbreak across Southwest Wisconsin has reached 155 confirmed and six probable cases. While the case count in Iowa County held steady at 62 confirmed cases, nearby counties continue to report significant activity, with Grant County recording 20 confirmed cases and Lafayette County reporting 73 confirmed cases alongside six probable cases. To protect individual patient privacy, public health officials confirmed that no additional personal identifying or health information will be released.
Public health experts explain that the recent rise in numbers stems from active transmission among close contacts of previously identified patients. Measles is one of the most highly contagious viruses known, with stats showing that nine out of ten unprotected individuals exposed to an infected person will contract the disease. Because symptoms can take up to 21 days to manifest following initial exposure, authorities anticipate additional cases may surface among close contacts in the coming weeks.
Initial symptoms typically present as a fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, followed several days later by a characteristic rash that begins on the head and spreads down the body. Health officials strongly advise anyone displaying these symptoms to isolate at home and call their healthcare provider before seeking in-person care, allowing medical facilities to implement necessary safety measures to protect staff and other patients.
In response to the surge, local health departments and DHS are actively conducting contact tracing, offering testing, and encouraging widespread immunization. Residents are urged to verify their vaccination status online through the Wisconsin Immunization Registry or by contacting their primary care provider. For those requiring protection, the two-dose MMR vaccine offers excellent and safe long-term defense, with full coverage recommended for children by age 4 and natural immunity assumed for individuals born prior to 1957. Financial support and free vaccines remain available for eligible children and adults through state assistance programs.
Adam Hess has been involved in radio broadcasting since 1990, with many of those years spent on the air at WRCO FM in Richland Center. Currently, Adam hosts the Weekend Wake-up and Prime Mover Saturdays on WRCO FM, jumps in and helps out with news duties, handles Social Media duties for WRCO and WRCE, and is the Director of Technology at a Southwest Wisconsin School District. Reach him at adam.hess@civicmedia.us.
