27-03-2025
18 states have reported measles cases. Is Wisconsin one of them?
The United States has seen more measles cases than all of 2024 just three months into the year, with more than a dozen states reporting cases of the highly contagious disease.
Though no cases have been reported in Wisconsin, health officials are keeping a close eye on cases across the nation, Wisconsin Department of Health Service Immunization Program Coordinator Dr. Stephanie Schauer told the Journal Sentinel in an email.
"Because measles is highly contagious, a person traveling to areas where there are infections could easily bring it to Wisconsin," she said.
Given that the disease could linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves, Schauer noted that it's possible to catch measles "nearly anywhere," like grocery stores, movie theaters or on planes and buses.
She said the best protection is the measles, mumps and rubella, or MMR, vaccine — emphasizing that the vaccine is safe and used globally, with over 575 million doses administered worldwide.
Wisconsin last reported a measles case in April 2024, when a Dane County adult was infected and believed to have contracted the disease after traveling to another state.
Here's what to know:
No, there have been no measles cases reported in Wisconsin in 2025.
More: Two states have reported recent measles outbreaks. Is Wisconsin at risk?
There have been 378 measles cases in the U.S. reported as of March 20, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data shows.
The agency notes only confirmed cases are included in data, though it is "aware of probable measles cases" reported by other jurisdictions.
The following 18 states have reported measles cases:
Alaska
California
Florida
Georgia
Kansas
Kentucky
Maryland
Michigan
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
Tennessee
Texas
Vermont
Washington
Among kindergarteners, Wisconsin has some of the lowest vaccination rates for the MMR vaccine in the country, according to most recent CDC data.
Schauer said DHS has noted "a bit of an increase" in MMR doses administered to adults, adding that the amount given to pediatric patients remains fairly steady.
"We are working with providers, such as our Vaccines For Children network, to encourage them to have more MMR on hand and not miss opportunities to vaccinate children," Schauer said.
The CDC recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine for all children and at least one dose for adults who are not considered immune. Two doses are 97% effective in preventing measles.
Conversely, about 90% of unvaccinated people who are exposed to measles end up contracting it, according to the CDC. Additionally, one in five unvaccinated people who get the disease end up needing hospitalization.
"Frequent travelers, college students, and healthcare professionals should definitely make sure they are up to date on the vaccine," Schauer said.
The MMR vaccine is available at area doctor's offices or clinics, local health departments, and some local pharmacies. Locate vaccine providers near you using
If you do not have health insurance, or your insurance may not cover vaccines, the state's Vaccines for Children and Vaccines for Adults provides free vaccines.
If you believe you have been exposed to measles, the CDC urges you to immediately contact your healthcare provider.
The first signs of an infection typically pop up seven to 14 days after exposure, the CDC says. Initial symptoms may include:
High fever, which could surpass 104 degrees
Cough
Runny nose
Conjunctivitis
According to the CDC, white spots, called Koplik spots, may appear in an infected person's mouth two to three days after symptoms begin.
Following this, the measles rash begins. It typically appears three to five days after symptom onset and starts out as flat, red spots that appear at the hairline. The rash then spreads downwards, the CDC says. It may also:
Be accompanied by a high fever
Develop small raised bumps on top of red spots
Bunch up and join together as it spreads across the body
Common complications from measles include ear infections and diarrhea, though it can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening issues, even death, according to the CDC. Serious complications include:
Pneumonia
Encephalitis, swelling of the brain
Hospitalization
Pregnancy complications
Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE)
There is no specific antiviral treatment for measles, according to the CDC.
Those infected with the disease should isolate for four days after the development of the rash and vitamin A may be administered repeatedly in severe cases, the agency says.
Janet Loehrke contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Have any measles cases been reported in Wisconsin?
