Measles Outbreak Alert: Wisconsin Confirms First Case, Sparks Health Precautions

MADISON, Wis. – According to WLAX/WEUX, a University of Wisconsin–Madison student has tested positive for measles, marking the first instance of the disease in Dane County this year.

Health authorities have determined that the student contracted measles during international travel and subsequently visited multiple locations on the UW-Madison campus.

Efforts are underway to reach anyone who might have come into contact with the student. Those who were present at these locations should verify their vaccination status for measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) as soon as possible.

As of last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a total of 416 measles cases across the United States this year, accounting for nearly 20% of the projected 2025 annual total. Other states documenting cases in 2026 include California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Virginia, and Washington.

Measles is a highly contagious illness caused by a virus that spreads through the air when an infected individual breathes, sneezes, or coughs. Vaccination is an effective means of prevention.

As of last week, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had confirmed 416 measles cases nationwide this year, nearly 20% of the 2025 case total. The other states with confirmed cases in 2026 are: California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Virginia and Washington.

Measles is caused by a highly contagious virus that’s airborne and spreads easily when an infected person breathes, sneezes or coughs. A vaccine can prevent it.

Measles first infects the respiratory tract, then spreads throughout the body, causing a high fever, runny nose, cough, red, watery eyes and a rash. Most people recover, but infection can lead to dangerous complications such as pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling and death.

The CDC defines an outbreak as three or more related cases.

Last year was the nation’s worst year for measles spread since 1991, according to the CDC. The U.S. confirmed 2,255 cases and nearly 50 different outbreaks. Three people died, all of them unvaccinated, including two children in Texas.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.