A University of Wisconsin–Madison student has tested positive for measles and is now recovering after getting medical care. The student lives in an off-campus apartment but may have been contagious while moving through several campus buildings and a downtown restaurant. University and county public health teams say they are tracking down close contacts and alerting anyone who may have been exposed. Students and staff who are not sure about their vaccination history are being urged to confirm their status and keep an eye out for symptoms.
Exposure locations on campus and downtown
University Health Services released a timeline of possible exposure windows tied to the student’s movements. The student visited Qdoba at 2 N. Park Street on Sunday, Jan. 25 from 1 to 5 p.m.; the Brogden Psychology Building at 1202 W. Johnson Street on Jan. 2628 during midday hours; the Waisman Center at 1500 Highland Avenue on Jan. 26 and Jan. 28; the Genetics Building/Biotechnology Center at 425 Henry Mall on Jan. 27; and Union South at 1308 W. Dayton Street on Jan. 27 from 2 to 5 p.m. According to WISN 12 News, anyone who was in those places during the listed hours should follow public health instructions on vaccination and symptom monitoring.
State officials say the case isn't linked to Waukesha
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services reports that this Dane County case is not connected to the recently confirmed measles case in Waukesha County and says the agency is working with local health departments and the university to identify and notify potential contacts. The department is reminding residents that measles spreads through the air, can linger in an enclosed space for up to two hours after an infected person leaves, and that a single infected person can pass the virus to up to 90% of nearby people who are not vaccinated. For full guidance, see the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
Local health department posts exposure list and next steps
Public Health Madison & Dane County has posted the list of exposure locations on its website and says people who lack proof of immunity and were at those sites may be asked to quarantine and monitor for symptoms. The agency is directing residents to the Wisconsin Immunization Registry and local clinics to confirm vaccination status or get vaccinated, and it urges people to call ahead before going to a clinic so staff can take precautions and avoid exposing others. The full local advisory is available from Public Health Madison & Dane County.
What UW Health Services is advising students
University Health Services is telling students to review their immunization records in MyUHS, contact UHS at 608-265-5600 if they develop symptoms, and get the MMR vaccine if they are not fully protected. UHS also maintains online information about measles and about the university’s response to vaccine-preventable illnesses for both students and staff. Those materials are available from University Health Services.
The bigger picture
The Madison case lands in the middle of a wider national uptick in measles. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 588 confirmed cases across the United States as of Jan. 29, 2026, with most occurring in people who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown. Public health experts say travel-related importations are fueling clusters and that keeping vaccination rates high remains the most reliable way to prevent spread.
If you were at the listed locations
Anyone who was at a listed exposure site during the specified windows is urged to check vaccination records and watch for fever, cough, red or watery eyes, and rash. Public Health Madison & Dane County notes that people without protection may need to quarantine and that local officials will advise on next steps, including whether vaccination or other interventions are recommended. Officials ask that people call UHS or Public Health Madison & Dane County before seeking in-person care to reduce the chance of further exposure.
Authorities say they will continue posting updates on their websites as the investigation unfolds and are urging students and community members to follow instructions from campus and public health officials.
