Wisconsin reports its first measles death in 36 years

Associated Press · 2026-11-05 19:27 UTC

An infant in southwestern Wisconsin has died from measles, the state’s first such death in 36 years. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services didn't say Thursday where exactly it happened or provide more details. As of Thursday, Wisconsin reported 431 cases of measles, all but three in unvaccinated people. Nine people had been hospitalized. High vaccination rates stopped the spread of measles in the United States in 2000, but cases are rising again as vaccinations decline. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed four measles-associated deaths in the U.S. this year. A higher total has been reported by health departments in several states.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — An infant in southwestern Wisconsin has died after contracting measles, the state’s first death from the disease in 36 years, state officials announced Thursday.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services did not specify where the death happened or provide any additional details to protect the privacy of the family.

The coroner listed the cause of death as measles, state health officials said.

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