Wisconsin reports first measles death in 35 years
An infant died from measles, marking the state's first measles fatality since 1990 and bringing the national death toll to eight.
Wisconsin health officials confirmed Thursday that an infant has died from measles, the first such death in the state since 1990. The fatality raises the nationwide count of measles-related deaths reported by state health departments to eight, with six in Pennsylvania, one in New York and one in Wisconsin.
The state has recorded 431 measles cases this year, the highest number in more than three decades, and nine patients have been hospitalized. The Wisconsin Department of Health Secretary Kirsten Johnson said in a press release, "> It is with a heavy heart we are reporting the first death of an infant connected with a measles outbreak in Wisconsin in many years. My heart is broken for the family. Any death of a child is a tragedy and even more so when it is related to a vaccine-preventable disease. Measles can cause serious illness and death, and it is important for all Wisconsinites to evaluate their risk and take steps to protect themselves and their family."
Health officials note that at least 96% of this year’s U.S. measles cases involve individuals who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports more than 4,800 confirmed measles cases nationwide, the highest tally since 1991, with infections documented in nearly every state.
The CDC recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine—first administered at 12 to 15 months of age and a second dose at 4 to 6 years. One dose provides about 93% protection, while two doses increase effectiveness to roughly 97%. Infants aged 6 to 11 months in high-risk areas may receive an early third dose.
Early symptoms of measles include cough, runny nose, high fever and red, watery eyes, followed by Koplik spots in the mouth and a characteristic rash that spreads from the face to the rest of the body.