Measles alert in Wisconsin: Confirmed cases total 171
The newest patient was exposed during a trip out of state and is not linked to the outbreak spreading across southwestern Wisconsin. Health officials say that, so far, no public exposure sites have been identified.
Measles virus, illustration.
Wisconsin confirmed a new case of measles in Chippewa County, as the state faces an outbreak that has already reached 171 confirmed cases in 2026, according to the latest update from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS).
The new case was announced on Tuesday, September 22, by state and local authorities. The patient, a resident of Chippewa County, is believed to have been exposed to the virus during a trip outside of Wisconsin, and the infection is not related to the active outbreak in the southwestern part of the state.
At this time, authorities say no public places have been identified where others may have been exposed. The Chippewa County Department of Public Health and DHS are working to locate and directly contact those who may have had contact with the patient.
"Confirming a case in our community is concerning," said Brittnay Herrick, Chippewa County Health Officer, who explained that investigators are working with healthcare providers to determine possible exposures and provide guidance to affected individuals.
The main outbreak is in southwestern Wisconsin
The Chippewa County case comes as Wisconsin continues to try to contain a significantly larger outbreak centered in Grant, Iowa, Lafayette, and Vernon counties.
According to the official DHS record, as of September 18, 161 confirmed cases and six additional probable cases had been identified in those four counties. Epidemiological investigations indicate that localized transmission of the virus is occurring there.
The outbreak began to grow in August. On the 18th of that month, for example, authorities reported just 36 confirmed cases and three probable cases associated with the outbreak in the southwest. By mid-September, the number had surpassed 160.
In addition, on September 15, another isolated case was confirmed in Marathon County, also linked to out-of-state travel and with no known connection to the outbreak in the southwest. No public exposures related to that patient have been identified so far.
In total, cases have been reported since August in Grant, Iowa, Lafayette, Vernon, Marathon, and Chippewa counties, according to health authorities.
Wisconsin updates total to 171 Cases
The agency also warns that the figures may change as the investigation progresses and that the number of confirmed cases does not necessarily represent all infections, as some people may not get tested or seek medical care.
More than 3,400 cases in the United States
The spike in Wisconsin comes amid a major measles resurgence in the United States.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had recorded 3,471 confirmed cases nationwide as of September 17, spread across 47 jurisdictions. Wisconsin is among the affected states.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that is transmitted through the air. Infectious particles can remain airborne for up to two hours after an infected person has left a room, according to Wisconsin health authorities.
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Symptoms
Symptoms usually appear 10 to 21 days after exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose, fatigue, red or watery eyes , and later a rash that typically starts at the hairline and spreads to the arms and legs.
The DHS states that those who are not vaccinated or are unaware of their immunization status are at the highest risk. Authorities recommend reviewing vaccination records and note that two doses of the MMR vaccine are approximately 97% effective in preventing measles.
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