Infant Dies In WI Measles Outbreak, State's First Such Death Since 1990

MADISON, WI — An infant has died in connection with the measles outbreak in southwestern Wisconsin, state health officials announced Thursday, the first death of its kind reported in the state since 1990.

The coroner listed measles as the immediate cause of death, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

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The department said it will not release any other details about the death, citing the privacy of the child and the family.

"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," DHS Secretary Kirsten Johnson said 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 said. "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."

As of Tuesday, the state had recorded 431 measles cases across 13 counties this year, its highest total in more than 35 years. Nine people have been hospitalized with severe symptoms.

The actual number of infections could be higher, health officials said, since some people who get sick never see a doctor or get tested.

Measles can lead to pneumonia and brain swelling, both of which can be life-threatening. While the disease can make anyone seriously ill, the risk of complications is higher for children under 5, pregnant people and those with weakened immune systems, according to DHS.

Since Aug. 1, the department has sent 2,000 doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine to local health departments in communities with confirmed cases. Health care providers across Wisconsin have given more than 42,000 MMR doses over the same period.

Health officials say the MMR vaccine is the best protection against the disease, with two doses about 97 percent effective.

Residents can look up their vaccination history through the Wisconsin Immunization Registry, or by contacting a health care provider or local health department.

Anyone exposed to measles should stay home, DHS said. People who develop a fever and rash, particularly if they are unvaccinated or know they were exposed, should call a health care provider before going to a clinic or hospital so staff can take steps to keep others from being exposed.

Vaccination recommendations and current case information are available on the state's measles webpage.