Health Officials Monitoring Six Milwaukee Residents After Potential Measles Exposure

No new measles cases identified after infected passenger traveled through Milwaukee airport

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Milwaukee health officials confirmed that no additional measles cases have been identified in connection with an infected passenger who flew from Phoenix to Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport on January 29. Six potential contacts from the flight are Milwaukee residents, with additional potential contacts living outside the city. Health officials are monitoring the situation and working with airport staff to ensure safety.

Why it matters

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can have serious complications, especially for young children. This incident highlights the importance of vaccination and the need for public health officials to quickly respond to potential disease outbreaks to prevent further spread.

The details

An infected passenger was traveling to Walworth County when they passed through Milwaukee's airport on Southwest Airlines Flight WN-266, which arrived between 10:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. on January 29. Health officials are awaiting wastewater data to determine if there are any measles cases in Milwaukee or surrounding areas. The Milwaukee Health Department is also working with airport officials to ensure all staff are aware of the potential exposure.

  • The infected passenger flew through Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport on January 29.
  • The flight arrived between 10:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. on January 29.

The players

Mike Totoraitis

City of Milwaukee Health Commissioner who provided an update on the situation.

Southwest Airlines

The airline that operated the flight the infected passenger traveled on.

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What they’re saying

“Measles can stay aerosolized in the air for up to 2 hours after an infectious person is present in that room. And we also know of cases where shared air handling can spread a visrus throughout an entire building. So we want to make sure everyone who was at the airport was safe during that time.”

— Mike Totoraitis, City of Milwaukee Health Commissioner (tmj4.com)

“We are concerned. And I think parents who haven't had their kids up to date on their vaccines…call your local health department, call your provider. Make a plan to get vaccinated.”

— Mike Totoraitis, City of Milwaukee Health Commissioner (tmj4.com)

What’s next

Health officials are awaiting wastewater data expected later this week that will indicate whether there are any measles cases in Milwaukee or surrounding jurisdictions.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of vaccination and the need for public health officials to quickly respond to potential disease outbreaks. It also highlights the potential for measles to spread through shared air spaces, emphasizing the importance of monitoring and containing the virus to protect public health.