An infant in Wisconsin has died from measles, marking the state’s first death attributed to the disease in 36 years, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services announced Thursday.
The department stated the child died in southwestern Wisconsin but provided no further location details to protect family privacy. Measles was listed as the immediate cause of death by the coroner.
"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," said state Department of Health Services Secretary Kirsten Johnson. "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."
Measles can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia and brain swelling. The department noted that while anyone can become critically ill, young children, pregnant individuals, and those with compromised immune systems face a higher risk of complications.
This year, Wisconsin has reported 431 measles cases across 13 counties, representing the highest number of cases in the state in over 35 years. Nine individuals required hospitalization due to severe symptoms.
State officials are urging residents to take preventative measures to protect themselves and their communities, highlighting the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine as the most effective way to prevent measles.
Earlier this week, a child in New York state also died from measles, which was the first known measles-associated death in the state in more than three decades.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported four measles-associated deaths nationwide this year, though state health departments have indicated higher figures. Pennsylvania has confirmed six measles-associated deaths in 2026 and is investigating another potential case.