Infant Dies of Measles in Wisconsin, State's First Such Death in 36 Years
An infant has died of measles in Wisconsin in the United States. State health officials announced the death on Thursday and said it was the state's first measles-linked death in 36 years.
The state Department of Health Services said the child died in southwestern Wisconsin but would not give a more precise location or additional details, to protect the family's privacy.
The department said the coroner listed measles as the immediate cause of death.
Department Secretary Kirsten Johnson said in a statement that it was with a heavy heart that she was reporting the first death of an infant connected with a measles outbreak in Wisconsin in many years, and that her heart was broken for the family.
Johnson added that any death of a child is a tragedy, and even more so when it is related to a vaccine-preventable disease. She said measles can cause serious illness and death, and that Wisconsinites should evaluate their risk and take steps to protect themselves and their families.
The health department said measles can cause life-threatening complications, including pneumonia and swelling of the brain. While anyone can become seriously ill, children younger than five, pregnant people and people with weakened immune systems are at increased risk of complications.
Wisconsin has reported 431 measles cases in 13 counties so far this year, the highest number seen in the state in more than 35 years, according to the material. Nine people required hospitalisation for severe symptoms.
State officials urged residents to be proactive in preventing illness and said the best way to prevent measles is with the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
The US Department of Health and Human Services previously told Fox News Digital that Secretary Kennedy and CDC Director Dr Erica Schwartz continue to make clear that the MMR vaccine is the most effective way to prevent measles.
Earlier this week, a child in New York state's Lewis County died in the first known measles-associated death in that state in more than 30 years.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul said she was heartbroken to learn of the child's death and, as a mother and grandmother, could not imagine what the family was going through.
