Wisconsin Infant Dies of Measles, First Death in State in 36 Years

An infant in Wisconsin has died of measles, marking the state's first recorded death from the disease in 36 years, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services announced Thursday. The child died in southwestern Wisconsin, though the department did not provide further location details to protect the family's privacy.

The coroner listed measles as the immediate cause of death. "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 serious complications such as pneumonia and brain swelling. Infants, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of severe illness.

Wisconsin has recorded 431 measles cases across 13 counties so far this year, the highest number in more than 35 years. Of these cases, nine individuals have required hospitalization.

State officials emphasized that the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the most effective way to prevent measles and urged residents to take steps to protect themselves and their communities. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has stated that the MMR vaccine is the most effective prevention method.

This death follows a similar tragedy in New York, where a child in Lewis County died from measles, marking the state's first measles-associated death in over 30 years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported four measles-associated deaths nationwide in 2026, though state health departments have indicated higher numbers. Pennsylvania, for example, has confirmed six measles-associated deaths this year and is investigating another potential case.