Measles Exposure Reported At Milwaukee Airport

State health officials warn travelers who were at the airport on January 29 to monitor for symptoms.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has reported a confirmed case of measles involving a person who traveled through Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport on January 29. The individual may have exposed others at the airport between 10:31 p.m. and 12:31 a.m. Health officials are urging anyone who was at the airport during that time to monitor for measles symptoms.

Why it matters

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that can lead to serious complications. This exposure at a major transportation hub raises concerns about the potential spread of the disease, especially given the importance of air travel and the volume of people passing through the airport.

The details

The measles case is linked to a confirmed case in another state and is not connected to recent cases in Waukesha or Dane counties. As part of the investigation, the state also reported its first-ever detection of measles in untreated wastewater in Walworth County through the state's wastewater monitoring program.

  • The individual traveled on Southwest Flight WN 266 from Phoenix to Milwaukee on January 29.
  • The potential exposure occurred at Mitchell International Airport between 10:31 p.m. and 12:31 a.m. on January 29.

The players

Wisconsin Department of Health Services

The state health agency investigating the measles case and issuing the public exposure notice.

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What’s next

Health officials said they will update the public if additional exposure locations are identified.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of vaccination and vigilance in monitoring for measles symptoms, especially in high-traffic areas like airports. It also underscores the value of wastewater surveillance in detecting the spread of infectious diseases.