Public Health Madison & Dane County said Friday last week that an out-of-state traveler who stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in Madison later tested positive for measles, raising concerns about possible exposure for other guests and staff. The traveler was at the hotel on Friday last week, during a time window health officials say could have put others at risk. County investigators are now tracking down known contacts and urging anyone who thinks they were at the hotel then to watch closely for symptoms.
Exposure timeline and location
According to Public Health Madison & Dane County, the traveler stayed at the Holiday Inn Express at 5150 High Crossing Blvd. from 12:01 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Friday last week. Officials say they do not yet have a complete list of everyone who may have been exposed and are reaching out directly to known contacts with guidance and information on testing.
Why officials are concerned
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that measles symptoms usually appear seven to 21 days after exposure. That means anyone exposed on Feb. 6 could start showing symptoms between Feb. 13 and Feb. 27. The CDC has also reported 910 confirmed measles cases in the U.S. as of Feb. 12, a reminder of how travel-related infections can quickly spark local exposures during the current nationwide surge.
How this fits into Wisconsin's outbreak
Health officials say the Madison hotel exposure is not linked to a separate, previously confirmed case reported last week. The situation represents the fourth confirmed measles case identified in Wisconsin in recent weeks, according to reporting by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, and local public health teams are monitoring multiple travel-related exposures across the state.
What to do if you were at the hotel
Public Health Madison & Dane County advises that anyone born in 1957 or later who is unvaccinated or does not have laboratory evidence of prior measles infection should assume they are unprotected and follow the county's quarantine guidance for the exposure period. If you develop symptoms, officials ask that you stay home, avoid public places, and call your clinic before showing up in person. Questions about possible exposure can be sent to [email protected] or directed to (608) 266-4821.
Measles is highly contagious but preventable with the MMR vaccine, and people with two documented doses are unlikely to become ill. Public health officials continue to stress that vaccination is the best protection, and local clinics can help residents with information on immunization and testing options.
