Wisconsin Reports First Measles Death in 36 Years as Outbreak Tops 400 Cases

An infant in southwestern Wisconsin has died of measles, state health officials announced Thursday, marking the state’s first death linked to the disease in 36 years.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services said it would not disclose the child’s exact location or other identifying details out of respect for the family’s privacy. A coroner listed measles as the immediate cause of death.

“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 in a statement.

“Any death of a child is a tragedy and even more so when it is related to a vaccine-preventable disease,” Johnson continued. “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.”

The death comes amid the state’s largest measles outbreak in more than 35 years. Wisconsin has recorded 431 cases across 13 counties so far this year, with nine people hospitalized for severe symptoms. State health officials have not specified which counties have confirmed cases.

Health officials warn that measles can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia and brain swelling. Children under 5, pregnant people and those with weakened immune systems face the highest risk of severe illness.

DHS is urging residents across the state to make sure they and their families are vaccinated, saying the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine remains the most effective way to prevent infection and its complications.

Part of a Wider National Trend

Wisconsin’s loss follows a similar tragedy in New York, where a child in Lewis County died earlier this week in that state’s first measles-associated death in more than 30 years. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul called the death heartbreaking, saying, “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.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed four measles-associated deaths nationally this year, though individual state health departments have reported higher totals. Pennsylvania has confirmed six measles-associated deaths in 2026 and is investigating a seventh possible case.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has said that Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and CDC Director Dr. Erica Schwartz “continue to make clear that the MMR vaccine is the most effective way to prevent measles.”