Measles Exposure Confirmed at Milwaukee Airport

Travelers on Southwest Airlines Flight WN 266 from Phoenix may have been exposed.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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The City of Milwaukee Health Services, in coordination with state and county health departments, is investigating a confirmed measles exposure at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport. The exposure is linked to an individual who traveled while infectious, despite being advised to isolate. People who were at the airport on January 29, 2026 between 10:31 PM and 12:31 AM CST, or who traveled on Southwest Airlines Flight WN 266 from Phoenix to Milwaukee on that date, may have been exposed to measles.

Why it matters

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can lead to serious health complications, including pneumonia, brain damage, and even death. Identifying and containing potential measles exposures is crucial to protect public health, especially for those who may not be fully vaccinated.

The details

The primary case traveled on Southwest Airlines Flight WN 266 from Phoenix to Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, arriving on January 29, 2026 at 10:31 PM CST. Health officials are advising anyone who may have been exposed during the identified flight, date, and timeframe to check their measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination status and monitor for potential symptoms through February 19.

  • The exposure occurred on January 29, 2026 between 10:31 PM and 12:31 AM CST.
  • Southwest Airlines Flight WN 266 from Phoenix to Milwaukee arrived at 10:31 PM CST on January 29, 2026.

The players

City of Milwaukee Health Services

The local health department investigating the measles exposure.

Wisconsin Department of Health Services

The state health department coordinating with local authorities on the investigation.

Milwaukee County Health and Human Services

The county-level health department assisting with the investigation.

Walworth County Health and Human Services

The county-level health department also involved in the investigation.

Southwest Airlines

The airline that operated the flight where the potential measles exposure occurred.

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What’s next

Health officials are advising anyone who may have been exposed to check their vaccination status and monitor for symptoms through February 19.

The takeaway

This measles exposure highlights the importance of vaccination and the need for swift action to contain the spread of highly contagious diseases, especially in crowded public spaces like airports.