By Fatma Younis
An infant in southwestern Wisconsin has died from measles, marking the state's first death from the disease in 36 years, state health officials announced Thursday.
Health Department Statement
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services did not disclose the location of the death or provide further details to protect the family's privacy. The coroner listed measles as the cause of death.
“My heart is broken for the family,” said Kirsten Johnson, secretary of the state health department. “Any death of a child is a tragedy and even more so when it is related to a vaccine-preventable disease.”
Vaccination Context
The United States eliminated domestic measles transmission in 2000 through high vaccination rates, but coverage has recently fallen below the 95% threshold needed to prevent outbreaks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed four measles-associated deaths nationwide this year, though state health departments report higher numbers. Pennsylvania officials have reported five deaths and are investigating a possible sixth. As of Thursday, Wisconsin recorded 431 measles cases, all but three in unvaccinated individuals, with nine hospitalizations.
