Wisconsin infant dies of measles as state sees first death from disease since 1990

An infant in Wisconsin died of measles, marking the state’s first death linked to the disease in 36 years, the state's Department of Health Services announced on Thursday.

The Department of Health Services said the child died in southwestern Wisconsin but did not provide a more precise location. The department said it would not release any additional details to protect the privacy of the family.

The coroner listed the immediate cause of death as measles.

"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," state Department of Health Services Secretary Kirsten Johnson said in a statement.

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"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," she continued.

Measles can cause life-threatening complications, including pneumonia and swelling of the brain. The department said that while anyone can become seriously ill, children younger than 5, pregnant people and people with weakened immune systems are at increased risk of complications.

Wisconsin has reported 431 measles cases in 13 counties so far this year, reflecting the highest number of cases seen in the state in more than 35 years. Among these cases, nine people required hospitalization for severe symptoms.

State officials urged Wisconsinites to be proactive in preventing illness to protect themselves and their communities, saying the best way to prevent measles is with the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine.

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 clear that the MMR vaccine is the most effective way to prevent measles."

Earlier this week, a child in New York state's Lewis County died in the first known measles-associated death in the state in more than 30 years.

New York Gov. 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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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported four measles-associated deaths across the country this year, although state health departments have reported higher figures.

In Pennsylvania, state health officials have confirmed six measles-associated deaths in 2026 and are investigating another reported death that has not yet met the state's criteria to be classified as measles-associated.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.