09/04/2026
The total number of confirmed cases in Iowa County is 62. Total cases in this SW WI regional outbreak (Iowa, Grant and Lafayette Counties) have increased to 136 confirmed and 6 probable cases. Grant County has 15 confirmed cases; Lafayette County has 59 confirmed, 6 probable cases.
Measles case count dashboard: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/immunization/measles.htm
Additional cases in Iowa County since Tuesday equals 7. This increase in cases reflects ongoing transmission among people connected to previously identified cases. Measles is a very contagious virus, and any exposure can be consequential. When one person has measles, 9 out of 10 people they come in contact with will also get measles if they are not protected. It can take up to 21 days for someone to develop measles symptoms after they are exposed. Due to these factors, we expect to see additional cases among close contacts. 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. 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.
A few notes on measles transmission-
- The virus is one of the most easily spread diseases. It travels through the air on infectious respiratory particles. It is spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes.
-Measles virus can stay in the air for up to two hours after a sick person has been in a room. Anybody who goes into that space during those two hours would be considered exposed.
-Infected people can spread measles to others four days before through four days after the rash appears (though the rash may still be visible after this infectious period is over).
More info: https://www.cdc.gov/measles/about/index.html
