MADISON (WKOW) — The Wisconsin Department of Health Services confirmed two new measles cases in Iowa and Lafayette counties through testing at the Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene.
These are the third and fourth measles cases confirmed in Wisconsin so far in 2026 and are not related to any previously confirmed cases, according to DHS. The cases are believed to have been exposed in Wisconsin, suggesting there may be additional measles cases in communities that have not yet been identified.
Public health officials are working to identify and notify people who may have been exposed to the measles virus. No public exposure locations have been identified in connection with these cases at this time, but if any are identified, they will be shared on the DHS Outbreaks and Investigations page.
Measles is a highly contagious disease that can spread from person to person through the air and can stay in the air for two hours after a sick person coughs or sneezes. One in four people who get measles in the United States will be hospitalized, and the disease can cause serious health complications including pneumonia, brain damage and deafness.
Symptoms of measles typically appear approximately 10 to 21 days after being exposed to the virus. They include a runny nose, high fever that may be greater than 104 degrees, tiredness, cough, red and watery eyes or conjunctivitis, and a red rash with raised bumps that starts at the hairline and moves to the arms and legs three to five days after symptoms begin.
Anyone developing symptoms of measles should stay home and call a doctor’s office or clinic before visiting so they can take precautions to ensure other patients are not exposed to the virus. Residents should call a health care provider if they develop symptoms, even if they are not aware of a specific exposure.
Measles can be prevented with the measles, mumps, rubella vaccine. Two doses of the measles vaccine are 97% effective at preventing the disease, according to DHS.
People born before 1957 are considered immune and do not need a vaccine. All other adults without laboratory evidence of immunity should have at least one dose of measles-containing vaccine, and children should have two doses.
People can check the Wisconsin Immunization Registry or contact their health care provider or local health department to see if they or their child has been vaccinated. Anyone who is not vaccinated against measles can get vaccinated at their regular health care provider, local clinic or pharmacy by dialing 211 for free and confidential assistance.