Child dies of measles in Wisconsin’s first such death since 1990

Health Child dies of measles in Wisconsin’s first such death since 1990 CDC counts four measles-associated deaths this year, but states have reported higher numbers Manage alerts for this article Save this story for later Share this article By Associated PressNov. 5, 2026 MADISON, Wis. — An infant in southwestern Wisconsin has died after contracting measles, the state’s first death from the disease in 36 years, state officials announced Thursday.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services did not specify where the death happened or provide any additional details to protect the privacy of the family.Advertisement The coroner listed the cause of death as measles, state health officials said. “My heart is broken for the family,” said Kirsten Johnson, secretary of the state health department. “Any death of a child is a tragedy and even more so when it is related to a vaccine-preventable disease.” The U.S.

stopped the domestic spread of measles in 2000 by maintaining high vaccination rates, but they have fallen in recent years to below the 95% coverage needed to prevent outbreaks of the viral disease.Advertisement The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed four measles-associated deaths in the U.S. this year, but state health departments have reported higher numbers. In Pennsylvania alone, health officials have reported five deaths this year and are investigating a possible sixth.

As of Thursday, Wisconsin reported 431 cases of measles, all but three in unvaccinated people. Nine people had been hospitalized. infectious disease, public health Submit a correction requestReprints Associated Press Newsletter Understand how science, health policy, and medicine shape the world every day Recommended Pharma November 5, 2026 STAT Plus: Novartis cites cases of previously unknown tumors possibly tied to its SMA gene therapy In the Lab November 5, 2026 STAT Plus: Stunning $6M defamation verdict reverberates at MIT campus, global scientific community Advertisement Business November 5, 2026 STAT Plus: Two No Surprises Act arbitrators lose government contracts to decide payment disputes First Opinion November 5, 2026 MAHA 1.0 is dead.

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