Measles cases in Iowa County stayed at 35 according to the latest update from the state Department of Health Services on Tuesday afternoon, the same as the previous update.
The total number of cases in Wisconsin this year rose from 50 to 61 since Friday. The vast majority were in were in people over age 5, with more than 40 percent in adults.
Lafayette County’s total was 21 (up 10) and Grant County’s three (up one). All but one were in unvaccinated people.
Local, state and federal agencies partnered to limit the spread.
“Our health department staff have been on the ground investigating cases to learn when individuals were contagious, where exposures may have occurred, and learn who else may have been exposed,” said Debbie Siegenthaler, director of the Iowa County Health Department. “When known contacts are identified, our staff follows up directly with them to assess vaccination or immunity status and provide specific recommendations based on the circumstances.”
The health department, local health care providers and pharmacies have the vaccine available.
At an immunization clinic in Mineral Point Monday afternoon, 18 people received vaccinations.
“The most important thing people can do to protect themselves is to make sure they are appropriately vaccinated (or otherwise immune) to measles,” Siegenthaler said. “We encourage everyone to check with vaccination records, especially as families prepare for the upcoming school year. Look up your measles immunization records through the Wisconsin Immunization Registry at https://www.dhfswir.org/PR/l ogoff.do If you’re a parent or legal guardian, you can also look up your children’s records. Questions re your vaccine status or access to vaccine should begin with a call to your health care provider.”
It is the first measles outbreak in Iowa County in at least 30 years. Two cases were reported in Wisconsin earlier this year, but the recent cases are all in Iowa, Lafayette and Grant counties.
“Symptoms begin with a fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes. A rash appears several days later that starts at the head and spreads down the body,” Siegenthaler said.
“Anyone who develops symptoms of measles should stay home and call their health care provider prior to seeking care. Calling ahead gives facilities time to take precautions to protect staff and other patients.”
In Iowa County, 86 percent of people age 6 to 18 have received two MMR doses, below the 95 percent threshold needed to stop the spread.
“The cases that we have been notified of so far were likely exposed in Wisconsin, meaning there are likely additional cases in the community that we are not aware of. With increasing number of cases, we want residents to be aware of measles even if they have not been notified of a direct exposure. Measles is extremely contagious and can spread quickly and easily among communities with low vaccination rates,” Siegenthaler said.
In 2025, there were 36 cases of measles in Wisconsin, all in Oconto County and all in unvaccinated people.