Infant dies of measles in Wisconsin, first death since 1990

An infant in southwestern Wisconsin has died after contracting measles, the state's first death from the disease since 1990, state officials announced.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services reported the death associated with the ongoing measles outbreak in southwestern Wisconsin. The coroner listed the immediate cause of death as measles, according to a DHS news release. To protect the privacy of the family and the child, DHS is not releasing any more information about the case or the young patient.

"Any death of a child is a tragedy and even more so when it is related to a vaccine-preventable disease," said DHS Secretary Kirsten Johnson. "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."

Statewide case count

As of Nov. 3, DHS has reported 431 measles cases in 13 counties so far in 2026. The number reflects the highest number of cases seen in the state in more than 35 years. Nine people have required hospitalization for severe symptoms across those cases.

The state's total was 335 on Oct. 27, which means it added nearly 100 patients in about one week. A majority of the cases are from what is being referred to as the "Southwest Wisconsin measles outbreak" in Grant, Lafayette, Iowa, and Vernon counties. DHS said the cases are related to out-of-state travel, but the exact source of those infections is unknown.

All but three of the patients were not vaccinated.

Green Lake County cases

Green Lake County has confirmed at least five measles cases, according to a news release from the Green Lake County Department of Health & Human Services. They are the first cases confirmed in Northeast Wisconsin.

The cases are linked to a laboratory-confirmed case in another county, the release said. The Green Lake County Department of Health & Human Services did not name which county the infection spread from.

Green Lake County is adjacent to Marquette County, which has two confirmed measles cases.

All confirmed and suspected cases identified so far in Green Lake County have been among people who were not vaccinated against measles. Known exposures have been limited to private gatherings, and no public exposure locations have been identified at this time.

Why it matters

The state is now recommending an early dose of the MMR vaccine for infants between 6 and 11 months old who face a higher risk of exposure. The usual first dose is given after a child's 1st birthday.

"Ordinarily, we don't begin MMR vaccination until a child's 1st birthday. But in an outbreak, when we know that an infant may be exposed to measles, there's a benefit to providing that protection earlier," said Dr. Ryan Westergaard, the chief medical officer with the Wisconsin DHS.

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Sources

• wbay.com: Infant dies in Wisconsin measles outbreak, first such death since 1990
• 2news.com: Child dies of measles in Wisconsin's first such death since 1990 | National News | 2news.com
• courant.com: Child dies of measles in Wisconsin's first such death since 1990

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.