An infant in Wisconsin has died from measles, the state’s first death linked to the disease since 1990, state health officials announced Thursday. The coroner listed measles as the immediate cause of death, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, which did not disclose the child’s location or additional details to protect the family’s privacy.
State health officials confirmed the death as Wisconsin reports 431 measles cases across 13 counties this year—the highest number in more than 35 years. Among those cases, nine people required hospitalization for severe symptoms. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services urged residents to evaluate their risk and take preventive measures, emphasizing that measles is a vaccine-preventable disease and the MMR vaccine is the best protection.
High-risk groups—including children under 5, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems—are particularly vulnerable to complications such as pneumonia and brain swelling, officials noted. The state’s outbreak reflects a broader national trend, with the U.S. recording eight measles-associated deaths this year, the highest toll since 1991, according to state health department data.
Nationwide context
The Wisconsin death follows two other confirmed measles-related fatalities this week: one in Pennsylvania and one in New York. Pennsylvania’s outbreak, the largest in the country, has approached 1,500 cases across 45 counties since April. New York reported its first measles death in decades earlier this week, prompting a statewide disaster emergency declaration by Governor Kathy Hochul in early October. All eight confirmed U.S. measles deaths this year involved unvaccinated individuals, with some ineligible due to age or health conditions, according to state health departments.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed four of the eight deaths, noting it will update its count as additional information becomes available. The agency has recorded 4,852 measles cases nationwide as of the latest reporting period.
Public health response
State officials in Wisconsin reiterated the importance of vaccination, highlighting that the MMR vaccine is 97% effective at preventing measles after two doses. The U.S. eliminated domestic measles transmission in 2000 through high vaccination rates, but coverage has since declined below the 95% threshold needed to prevent outbreaks. Wisconsin’s cases are concentrated among unvaccinated individuals, with 428 of 431 cases occurring in this group, according to the state health department.
Health experts warn that measles remains highly contagious, spreading through respiratory droplets and persisting in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a room. The disease can lead to severe complications, including encephalitis and death, particularly in young children.
Ongoing monitoring
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services did not specify the infant’s age, vaccination status, or the timeline of the case, citing privacy concerns. The state continues to monitor the outbreak and urges residents to check their vaccination records and consult healthcare providers if uncertain about their immunity status.
This is a developing story. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.