Measles Cases in Wisconsin Surpass 200

Thursday, October 1st, 2026 -- 10:01 AM

(Madeline Heim, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) Wisconsin's measles cases have surpassed 200, and the numbers are growing in counties with some of the lowest rates in the state of young children vaccinated against the disease.

According to MAdeline Heim with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, with 22 more cases recorded between Sept. 25 and Sept. 29, the state's total number of cases in 2026 is now 214, still among the highest in the country.

All but one have been in people who have not received the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, which is 97% effective at preventing infection. Three counties with measles cases this year are among Wisconsin's bottom five for vaccination rates.

In Lafayette and Grant counties, where case numbers are still growing, about 55% and 57% of 6-year-olds, respectively, had received the necessary two doses of the measles vaccine in 2025, according to state health department data from the Wisconsin Immunization Registry.

In Vernon County, which has publicly reported four measles cases, only about half of 6-year-olds were up-to-date on the measles vaccine in 2025, the data shows. That's the second-lowest rate of any county in the state, ahead of only Clark County.

For comparison, about 75% of Milwaukee County 6-year-olds were up-to-date last year. Measles is incredibly contagious, and up to nine of 10 people exposed will become infected if they are not protected by vaccination, or by antibodies built up from already having had the disease.

Health experts say at least 92% of a population needs to be protected against measles to limit new infections. Southwest Wisconsin is home to many Amish and Mennonite communities, who do not prohibit vaccinations but historically have adopted it at lower rates.

In a news briefing earlier this month, Dr. Ryan Westergaard, chief medical officer and state epidemiologist for communicable diseases for the Department of Health Services, said local health officers have established relationships with these communities and are calling on households and offering vaccines to minimize the risk of measles exposure.

So far in 2026, about 44% of Wisconsin's measles cases have been in children ages 5 to 17, and about the same percentage in adults. About 13% have been in young children up through age 4.

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