As we continue to report on Wisconsin’s readiness for potential measles outbreaks, we have spoken to several people who have shared their memories of having measles before a vaccines were widely available. We’d love to hear from more of you. 

Before the 1960s, hundreds of thousands of Americans faced measles infections each year. The advent of vaccination eliminated the disease in the United States by 2000. But outbreaks have returned to some U.S. communities as trust in vaccines wanes in many communities.

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We’re following whether measles will return to Wisconsin, which has some of the nation’s lowest vaccination rates for children.

If you have a story to share, whether it’s your own experience with measles or your observations of what it was like at the time, please take a moment to fill out this short form. Your submissions will shape the direction of our reporting and will not be shared publicly. But we may follow up with those who indicate they are comfortable with us doing so. 

Thanks to those who have already shared their perspectives and questions. 

Here are the stories your feedback has inspired so far: 

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Janelle Mella joined Wisconsin Watch as a Scripps Howard Fund intern in June 2025. She is pursuing a major in journalism at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, with a minor in film and media studies. At Northwestern, Janelle reports and edits for The Daily Northwestern, where she primarily covers student government and campus issues. She also freelances for nuAZN, the university’s Asian-interest magazine. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a career in solutions-oriented journalism.