Wisconsin health officials confirm another measles infection linked to the growing southwestern Wisconsin outbreak, raising concerns about exposure risks and additional infections.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) confirmed one measles case in Richland County on October 20, bringing the statewide total to 289 reported cases in 2026. The latest infection is connected to the outbreak that began spreading across southwestern Wisconsin in August, according to state health officials.
The new infection makes Richland the eighth Wisconsin county to report measles cases since August, joining Chippewa, Grant, Iowa, Lafayette, Marathon, Rock and Vernon counties. The outbreak has grown considerably since August 11, when health officials announced two locally acquired infections in Iowa and Lafayette counties. (RELATED: Toney Challenges Kaul on Drug Investigations, Crime Lab Delays in AG Debate)
Six Wisconsin residents have been hospitalized with measles this year. Other counties have experienced infections unrelated to the southwestern Wisconsin outbreak. Health officials have linked cases in Chippewa and Marathon counties to out-of-state travel, while Rock County has reported a separate cluster of probable infections.
The virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected individual leaves an area. The CDC estimates that two doses provide approximately 97% protection against measles. Wisconsin health officials are strongly urging that residents get their vaccine records updated, and ensure their vaccination status.
The United States had recorded more than 4,400 confirmed infections and three measles related deaths by mid-October. Wisconsin officials are using wastewater surveillance alongside confirmed case reports to monitor the virus’s presence in communities. (RELATED: Milwaukee Taxpayers Paid to Keep the Brewers. Now They Can’t Afford the Ticket)
The measles outbreak serves as the latest major illness incident since 2024 when Wisconsin DHS reported over 600 cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough. By the end of the year, Wisconsin reported almost 3,000 cases statewide.
