Nearly Every Measles Case In Wisconsin Has One Thing In Common

MADISON, WI — As Wisconsin students head back to class, the state Department of Health Services is urging parents and caregivers to check their children's vaccination records amid an active measles outbreak in the state.

As of Sept. 1, DHS had recorded 110 measles cases in Wisconsin this year. Of those, 109 people, or 99.1 percent, were unvaccinated.

Two people, or 1.8 percent of cases, were hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported.

State Health Officer Paula Tran said back-to-school vaccinations are always important, but this year carries added urgency because of the outbreak.

"Back-to-school vaccinations are always important, and especially now with a measles outbreak in our state," Tran said in a statement. "Now is the best time for families to make sure their children have the protection they need to support their own health, and the health of their classrooms."

DHS said checking a child's vaccination record now gives families time to talk with a health care provider, ask questions and schedule any needed vaccines before the school year is fully underway.

Wisconsin residents can check vaccination status for themselves and their children through the Wisconsin Immunization Registry or by contacting their health care provider.