Overview
- The Wisconsin outbreak, reported Thursday, jumped from two initial cases to 15 confirmed infections and six probable cases in Iowa and Lafayette counties.
- State officials say many infections were acquired inside Wisconsin by people who had not traveled, which signals active community transmission that may include uncounted cases.
- Nearly all measles cases in Wisconsin this year have involved unvaccinated people—DHS estimates about 96%—and Lafayette County has low two-dose MMR coverage, increasing local vulnerability.
- Separately, Kentucky confirmed an unvaccinated case in Christian County linked to contact with an out-of-state visitor and is investigating additional unconfirmed reports that could signal a wider local outbreak.
- State and local health departments, with CDC support and testing by the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, are tracing contacts and urging people to check immunization records and receive MMR vaccine to limit further spread.