Measles Outbreak Grows to 15 Cases Near Green County
A southwestern Wisconsin measles outbreak has grown from two confirmed cases Tuesday to 15, with six more considered probable. Most cases are in Iowa County, and state health officials say the majority involve people who were unvaccinated.
MADISON, Wis. — What began earlier this week with two confirmed measles cases in counties neighboring Green County has quickly grown into an outbreak involving at least 15 confirmed cases and another six probable cases in southwestern Wisconsin.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services reported late Thursday that 13 additional measles cases had been confirmed among Iowa and Lafayette County residents, a sharp increase from the two cases announced Tuesday. The additional cases were confirmed through testing at the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene. Five more cases are being investigated and are likely measles, also.
The rapid increase makes the outbreak considerably more significant for southwestern Wisconsin. Both Iowa and Lafayette counties border Green County, placing the outbreak immediately northwest and west of the New Glarus area.
State health officials had warned when the first two cases were announced Tuesday that both people were believed to have been exposed in Wisconsin rather than during travel, suggesting other cases could already be circulating without having been identified. At that time, DHS said not everyone who becomes sick seeks medical care or is tested for measles.
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