Measles Case Confirmed in Walworth County, Wisconsin

Health officials investigating exposure at Milwaukee airport

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has confirmed a case of measles in Walworth County. The infected individual was traveling through Milwaukee's General Mitchell International Airport before arriving in Walworth County. Health officials are working to identify and notify those who may have been exposed to the highly contagious virus.

Why it matters

Measles is a serious and potentially deadly disease that was largely eradicated in the U.S. due to widespread vaccination. However, declining vaccination rates in some communities have led to a resurgence of measles cases in recent years, raising public health concerns.

The details

The infected individual was exposed to measles in another state before traveling through Milwaukee's airport to Walworth County. Health officials are now investigating the case and working to notify anyone who may have been in close contact with the infected person. Measles is highly contagious and can stay airborne for up to two hours after an infected person coughs or sneezes.

  • On Friday, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced the confirmed measles case.
  • The infected individual was traveling through Milwaukee's General Mitchell International Airport before arriving in Walworth County.

The players

Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS)

The state health agency investigating the measles case and working to notify potentially exposed individuals.

City of Milwaukee Health Department (MHD)

The local health department assisting with the investigation at Milwaukee's airport.

Walworth County Department of Health and Human Services

The local health department investigating the measles case in Walworth County.

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What’s next

Health officials are urging all Wisconsinites to check their vaccination status and get the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine if they have not already done so. The DHS is also continuing to investigate the case and monitor for any additional exposures.

The takeaway

This measles case highlights the ongoing public health threat posed by the disease, especially in areas with lower vaccination rates. It underscores the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage to prevent the spread of highly contagious diseases like measles.