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Infant's death from measles is first in Wisconsin since 1990
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel • • health
Key Points:
- An infant in southwest Wisconsin has died from measles, marking the state's first measles death since 1990 amid an ongoing outbreak, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
- Wisconsin has reported 431 measles cases in 2026, primarily affecting unvaccinated individuals in Amish and Mennonite communities, with transmission linked to travel from Pennsylvania.
- The state has administered over 42,000 measles vaccine doses since August, including "zero doses" to infants aged 6 months and older at risk of exposure, as part of efforts to control the outbreak.
- Health officials emphasize the importance of vaccination for both children and adults and urge early recognition of measles symptoms to prevent further spread and fatalities.
- Measles symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a spreading rash; residents can verify vaccination status via the Wisconsin Immunization Registry and access vaccines through various healthcare providers.
