Wisconsin measles outbreak, how concerned should Milwaukee be?

Wisconsin measles outbreak, how concerned should Milwaukee be? Wisconsin is facing its largest measles outbreak in decades. This week, health officials confirmed the virus has claimed the life of a baby. Advertisement Updated: 6:31 PM CST Nov 6, 2026 Editorial Standards ⓘ Hannah Hilyard Reporter Wisconsin measles outbreak, how concerned should Milwaukee be? Wisconsin is facing its largest measles outbreak in decades. This week, health officials confirmed the virus has claimed the life of a baby. Updated: 6:31 PM CST Nov 6, 2026 Editorial Standards ⓘ Hannah Hilyard Reporter MILWAUKEE — Wisconsin is experiencing its largest measles outbreak in more than 30 years, with 444 cases reported across 13 counties since July and the first measles-associated death confirmed in Grant County. That's in southwestern Wisconsin. "This is the first measles-associated death reported in Wisconsin since 1990," said Dr. Ryan Westergaard, chief medical officer for the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Advertisement Wisconsin infant dies amid measles outbreak for first time since 1990 The outbreak has yet to reach Milwaukee County, but local health officials are on alert. Dr. Ben Weston, professor at the Medical College of Wisconsin and Milwaukee County's chief health policy advisor, said, "At the level of concern of whether we're going to have a case here in Milwaukee County, I think, to be honest, it's high. How great an individual's level of concern should be, it kind of depends if you're vaccinated." Measles symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash that appears several days later. Westergaard highlighted the seriousness of the disease, saying, "Measles is not simply a childhood illness that causes a fever and a rash. It can cause pneumonia, inflammation of the brain, permanent disability, and death." Health experts said vaccination is critical in preventing the spread of measles. "If you're vaccinated, you have an incredibly high level of protection," Weston said. "It's an extremely effective vaccine. We're talking like upper 90s percent of protection." The first dose of the vaccine is recommended for children at 12 months, with a second dose at kindergarten age. Wisconsin's measles vaccination rate is currently 85%. "People who aren't vaccinated are not vaccinated for a reason. They have a concern, they have a question, they have a worry. Now is the time to address that," Weston said. For families in outbreak areas, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services is now recommending the vaccine for babies starting at six months, as infants and immunocompromised individuals are most at risk. Some local health departments make the vaccine readily available. The Milwaukee Health Department said it offers the measles vaccine for free to anyone who needs it. Clinic locations include: Southside Health Center Monday, 3-6 p.m. Tuesday, 1-4 p.m. Northwest Health Center Wednesday, 3-6 p.m. Keenan Health Center Thursday, 1-4 p.m. Weston said for those who are concerned or hesitant regarding the vaccine, talk to your trust medical provider to have your questions answered. Make WISN a preferred source on Google Add Preferred Source Share Infinite Scroll Enabled Top Picks High school band member stunned as 'Thunderstruck' performance goes viral Defense attorney for man convicted in Tupac murder trial found dead in Las Vegas Watch: Giant pandas make much-anticipated debut at Zoo Atlanta 19-year-old to become one of Massachusetts' youngest representatives in state history