New cases of measles confirmed in Wisconsin

 

New Measles Case Confirmed in Wisconsin as Statewide Cases Reach 171

Wisconsin health officials have confirmed another case of measles, bringing the state's total number of confirmed cases in 2026 to 171. The latest case was reported in Chippewa County, where health officials say there are currently no known public exposure locations connected to the infection. 

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced the new case on September 22. The Chippewa County infection is believed to be associated with travel outside Wisconsin and is not considered connected to the ongoing measles outbreak in southwestern parts of the state.

Measles Case Reported in Chippewa County

The newly confirmed Chippewa County case represents another area of Wisconsin affected by measles this year. According to DHS, health officials are working with the Chippewa County Health Department to identify anyone who may have been exposed.

So far, officials have not identified any public exposure sites connected to the case. That means there are currently no locations such as stores, schools or other public venues that health officials have advised the public to avoid because of this particular infection.

The case follows a separate measles infection reported in Marathon County earlier in September. That case was also linked to out-of-state travel and was not associated with the southwestern Wisconsin outbreak.

Southwest Wisconsin Outbreak Continues

Most of Wisconsin's measles cases in 2026 have been associated with an outbreak in Grant, Iowa, Lafayette and Vernon counties.

DHS reported that, as of September 18, the southwestern Wisconsin outbreak had produced 161 confirmed cases and six probable cases. Investigators say the available evidence indicates that measles is spreading locally in that region.

Two additional laboratory-confirmed cases were reported in Vernon County on September 16. Health officials launched investigations to determine whether those infections were connected to other measles cases already identified in Wisconsin. No public exposure locations had been identified at the time of that announcement. (Wisconsin Department of Health Services)

The state has also reported measles cases in Marathon and Chippewa counties that are separate from the southwestern outbreak. DHS says both northern Wisconsin cases were related to out-of-state travel. (Wisconsin Department of Health Services)

Why Measles Is a Concern

Measles is one of the most contagious infectious diseases. The virus can spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and it can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. (Wisconsin Department of Health Services)

Symptoms commonly develop about 10 to 21 days after exposure. Early symptoms can include a runny nose, high fever, tiredness, cough and red or watery eyes.

A characteristic red rash generally appears several days after the initial symptoms. According to Wisconsin health officials, the rash can begin around the hairline before spreading to other parts of the body. (Wisconsin Department of Health Services)

Measles can sometimes lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, brain inflammation and deafness, and in some cases the infection can be fatal. (Wisconsin Department of Health Services)

What Wisconsin Residents Should Do

Health officials recommend that people who develop symptoms consistent with measles stay home and avoid work, school, shopping and public transportation.

Anyone who suspects they may have measles should contact a health care provider by phone before visiting a clinic or doctor's office. Calling ahead allows medical staff to take precautions and reduce the possibility of exposing other patients and health care workers. (Wisconsin Department of Health Services)

Vaccination remains an important tool for preventing measles. Wisconsin DHS maintains a measles information and surveillance dashboard with case information by week, age and county. The agency notes that the data are provisional and subject to change as investigations continue. (Wisconsin Department of Health Services)

Measles Cases Rising Across the United States

Wisconsin's outbreak is occurring amid a broader increase in measles activity across the United States.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3,471 confirmed measles cases had been reported nationally as of September 17, 2026, with cases reported across 47 jurisdictions. The CDC said 95% of the confirmed cases were associated with outbreaks. (CDC)

The CDC also notes that measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, but imported infections can lead to outbreaks when the virus reaches communities where people are not immune. (CDC)

Officials Continue Monitoring the Situation

Wisconsin health authorities say investigations remain ongoing. Officials are monitoring reported cases, identifying potential contacts and updating public information when additional counties report infections or when public exposure locations are identified.

For now, the latest Chippewa County case has no known public exposure sites, according to DHS. Residents are encouraged to remain aware of measles symptoms and review their vaccination status, particularly as health officials continue monitoring activity across the state. (Wisconsin Department of Health Services)

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Sources: Wisconsin Department of Health Services and CDC. (Wisconsin Department of Health Services)