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Measles Exposure
in Milwaukee 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: February 6, 2026

Contact: Ulisa Blakely 
Cell: (414) 405-6564 
[email protected] 

Contact: Caroline Reinwald
Office: (414) 286-3780
Cell: (414) 308-5556
[email protected] 

 

Measles Exposure in Milwaukee 

 

MILWAUKEE – The City of Milwaukee Health Department (MHD) in coordination with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Milwaukee County Health and Human Services, and Walworth County Health and Human Services is investigating a confirmed measles exposure at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport. The exposure is linked to an individual who traveled while infectious, despite being advised to isolate.  


MHD, in coordination with partner agencies, is working to identify and notify individuals who may have been exposed to measles. Public health control measures are being implemented to prevent further spread. 

The primary case traveled on Southwest Airlines Flight WN 266 from Phoenix to Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (5300 S Howell Ave, Milwaukee, WI, 53207) arriving on 1/29/26 at 10:31pm CST.  

People who traveled on that flight or were present at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport on January 29, 2026 during the time period of 10:31 PM to 12:31AM may have been exposed to measles.  

Anyone who may have been exposed during the identified flight, date, and timeframe should check their measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination status as soon as possible. If you are unvaccinated and were present on the flight or at the airport during the exposure time, stay home until February 19 and monitor symptoms. If you need a work release please contact your doctor or MHD.

All potentially exposed individuals should monitor for symptoms through February 19. If symptoms develop, individuals should call their medical providers before seeking medical care.

Immunization records can be accessed through the Wisconsin Immunization Registry (WIR), with instructions available in English, Spanish, and Hmong. Individuals who are unable to access their records are encouraged to contact their health care provider or MHD for assistance.  

Immunizations are available at a doctor’s office, some pharmacies. The MMR vaccine is also available for free at MHD Clinics during walk-in immunization hours.  


Signs and Symptoms of measles
Early symptoms typically appear first and may include: 

  • Runny nose 

  • High fever (may be greater than 104°F) 

  • Tiredness 

  • Cough 

  • Red, watery eyes, or conjunctivitis (“pink eye”) 

  • A red rash with raised bumps usually appears three to five days after symptoms begin, starting at the hairline and spreading to the arms and legs. 


What to Do
If you develop symptoms of measles: 

  • Stay home and avoid work, school, shopping, or public places. 

  • Call your health care provider and let them know you may have been exposed to measles. Describe your symptoms before seeking in-person care. 

  • In an emergency, call 911 and tell the dispatcher you may have been exposed to measles. 


MHD Response
MHD is prepared to respond to this highly contagious, airborne virus. In August 2025, MHD took proactive prevention steps, urging residents to protect themselves and outlining the department’s rapid response plan in the event of a measles exposure.  

 
Vaccination Information
Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable disease. The best protection is the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. 

  • Adults born in or after 1957 who have never been vaccinated should receive at least one dose of MMR. 

  • College students, international travelers, and health care workers should receive two doses, at least 28 days apart. 

  • The MMR vaccine is routinely given in childhood, with the first dose at 12–15 months and a second dose around age four. One dose is 93% effective against measles. 

People who are pregnant, severely immunocompromised, have children under 12 months of age, or are otherwise unable to receive the MMR vaccine should contact their health care provider for guidance. 

“We are actively managing this situation and taking steps to prevent further spread,” said Commissioner of Health Mike Totoraitis, PhD. “We urge anyone who may have been exposed to check their MMR vaccination status and monitor for symptoms through February 19. Vaccination protects both individuals and our community.” 


The City of Milwaukee Commissioner of Health and all partnering agencies will be virtually available to media inquiries at 5:15 PM today, February 6, 2026.

Se incluye una versión en español de este comunicado de prensa.

 

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