Wisconsin infant dies of measles, first state death since 1990

An infant in southwestern Wisconsin died of measles, marking the state's first measles-related death since 1990, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

"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 DHS Secretary Kirsten Johnson.

The coroner listed the immediate cause of death as measles. The department said it would not release additional details to protect the privacy of the family.

Outbreak details

Wisconsin has reported 431 measles cases in 13 counties so far in 2026, the highest number in more than 35 years. Nine people required hospitalization for severe symptoms. As of Nov. 3, the state's total was 335, meaning it added nearly 100 patients in about one week.

A majority of the cases are from the "Southwest Wisconsin measles outbreak" in Grant, Lafayette, Iowa, and Vernon counties. All but three of the patients were not vaccinated.

Green Lake County has confirmed at least five measles cases, the first in Northeast Wisconsin. All confirmed and suspected cases identified so far in Green Lake County have been among people who were not vaccinated.

Health guidance

State officials urged Wisconsinites to get the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The state is 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.

Measles symptoms include runny nose, high fever, tiredness, cough, red watery eyes, and a red rash. The virus can stay in the air for two hours after a sick person coughs or sneezes.

Why it matters

This is Wisconsin's first measles death since 1990 and comes amid the state's largest measles outbreak in more than 35 years, with most patients unvaccinated.

---

Sources

• foxnews.com: Wisconsin infant dies of measles, first such death in state in 36 years | Fox News
• fox11online.com: State health officials urge measles shots after infant dies in southwest Wisconsin
• abc7chicago.com: Baby dies from measles amid ongoing outbreak in Wisconsin; 1st death of its kind since 1990, health officials say - ABC7 Chicago
• wbay.com: Infant dies in Wisconsin measles outbreak, 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.