An infant in southwestern Wisconsin died from measles, the state's first such death since 1990, health officials said Thursday.
The big picture: Wisconsin's health department said the coroner listed measles as the infant's immediate cause of death. Officials withheld further details to protect the family while urging residents to check their vaccination status.
- "Any death of a child is a tragedy and even more so when it is related to a vaccine-preventable disease," Wisconsin DHS Secretary Kirsten Johnson said.
By the numbers: Wisconsin reported 431 measles cases across 13 counties through November 3, the state's highest total in more than 35 years. Nine people required hospitalization, and officials warned that limited testing means the true count could be higher.
- Since August 1, the state has delivered 2,000 doses of MMR vaccine to local health departments in affected communities, while providers statewide have administered more than 42,000 doses.
Zoom in: Measles can cause pneumonia and brain swelling. Children younger than 5, pregnant people and people with weakened immune systems face a higher risk of serious complications.
The bottom line: Wisconsin residents can check the Wisconsin Immunization Registry or contact a health provider or local health department. Two MMR doses are approximately 97% effective at preventing measles, according to the state.
What's next: State, local and Tribal health departments are continuing case tracking, testing and vaccination. Health officials say fast identification matters because some illnesses never reach a clinic or a laboratory.
Why it matters: This death turns a rising case count into an immediate family-safety issue: checking a record now can reveal whether a child or adult still needs protection.
