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An infant has died of measles in Wisconsin, the first death linked to the disease in the state in 36 years, the state Department of Health Services announced Thursday.
The Department of Health Services said the child died in southwest Wisconsin, but did not provide a more specific location. The ministry said it would not release any additional details to protect the family’s privacy.
The coroner said the immediate cause of death was measles.
“It is with heavy hearts that we report the first death of an infant linked to a measles outbreak in Wisconsin in many years. My heart is broken for the family,” State Health Services Secretary Kirsten Johnson said in a statement.
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In Wisconsin, an infant died from measles, marking the state’s first death from the disease in 36 years. (Reuters/Shannon Stapleton)
“Any child death is a tragedy and even more so when it is linked to a vaccine-preventable disease. Measles can cause serious illness and death, and it is important that all Wisconsinites assess their risk and take steps to protect themselves and their families,” she continued.
Measles can cause life-threatening complications, including pneumonia and brain swelling. The department said that while anyone can become seriously ill, children under 5, pregnant people and people with weakened immune systems are at increased risk of complications.
Wisconsin has reported 431 cases of measles in 13 counties so far this year, reflecting the highest number of cases seen in the state in more than 35 years. Of these cases, nine people required hospitalization due to serious symptoms.
State officials urged Wisconsinites to be proactive in disease prevention to protect themselves and their communities, saying the best way to prevent measles is with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Wisconsin has reported 431 cases of measles in 13 counties so far this year. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services previously told FOX News Digital that “Secretary Kennedy and CDC Director Dr. Erica Schwartz continue to make it clear that the MMR vaccine is the most effective way to prevent measles.”
Earlier this week, a child in Lewis County, New York, died in the first known measles-associated death in the state in more than 30 years.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul said she was heartbroken to learn of the child’s death.
“As a mother and grandmother, I cannot imagine what this family is going through. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved this child,” Hochul said in a statement.
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State officials urged Wisconsinites to be proactive in disease prevention to protect themselves and their communities, saying the best way to prevent measles is with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. (Raquel Natalicchio/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images)
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported four measles-associated deaths across the country this year, although state health departments reported higher numbers.
In Pennsylvania, state health officials have confirmed six measles-associated deaths in 2026 and are investigating one additional reported death that does not yet meet the state’s criteria to be classified as measles-associated.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Gn Health
