A confirmed case of measles has been identified in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, prompting an investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS). This development is particularly concerning as it comes on the heels of the DHS Wisconsin Wastewater Monitoring Program detecting measles in untreated wastewater collected in Walworth County. The case involves an individual who was traveling through Milwaukee's General Mitchell International Airport to Walworth County, and was exposed to the virus in another state. While this case is not linked to previous confirmed measles cases in Dane County and Waukesha County, health officials are taking proactive measures to identify and notify potential contacts. The individual is not connected to the confirmed measles cases in Dane County and Waukesha County, but health officials are working to identify and notify those who may have been exposed to the virus. The DHS is urging people who traveled on Flight WN 266 from Phoenix to Milwaukee General Mitchell International Airport or those who were traveling through the airport on January 29, 2026, between 10:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. to be vigilant for symptoms. Symptoms of the measles virus include a runny nose, high fever, tiredness, coughing, red, watery eyes, or conjunctivitis, and a red rash that begins at the hairline and moves down towards the arms and legs around three to five days after symptoms begin. The virus can also cause severe health complications such as pneumonia, brain damage, and deafness, and in some cases, it can be deadly. One in four people who contract the measles virus in the United States are hospitalized. The MMR vaccine has a 97% effective rate at preventing the virus, and those born before 1957 are considered immune and do not need to get the vaccine. There are no other known cases of the measles in Walworth County at the moment. However, health officials are urging anyone who develops symptoms of measles to stay home and contact their local care provider. The public is encouraged to stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and others. For more information and updates, visit the DHS website or follow local health authorities' guidelines.
