Wisconsin infant dies as measles outbreak reaches highest level in decades

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services said an infant died of measles in the state's southwest region, marking the first measles-related death in the state in 36 years. The coroner listed measles as the immediate cause of death. State Health Services Secretary Kirsten Johnson expressed sympathy for the family and warned that measles is a vaccine-preventable disease that can cause serious complications, especially for children under five, pregnant people and those with weakened immune systems. Wisconsin has recorded 431 measles cases in 13 counties this year, the highest number in more than three decades, with nine hospitalizations reported. Officials urged residents to protect themselves and their communities by receiving the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reiterated that the MMR vaccine is the most effective prevention method. The article also noted a recent measles-related child death in New York and reported four measles-associated deaths nationwide this year, while Pennsylvania health officials have confirmed six such deaths in 2026 and are investigating another possible case.