Wisconsin health officials announced Thursday that an infant has died from measles, marking the state's first measles-related death in more than three decades. The state's Division of Public Health (DPH) said the coroner listed measles as the immediate cause of death.
Health Secretary Kirsten Johnson expressed grief over the loss, calling it a tragedy for the family and the state. "Any death of a child is a tragedy and even more so when it is related to a vaccine-preventable disease," Johnson said in a statement. She urged Wisconsinites to assess their risk and take protective measures.
As of Thursday, Wisconsin has confirmed 431 measles cases and nine hospitalizations. The outbreak is concentrated in the southwestern part of the state, where vaccination rates are alarmingly low. According to DPH, only 79.8 percent of children had received at least one dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine by age 24 months—one of the lowest rates in the nation.
In Vernon County, the MMR coverage rate for 24-month-olds was just 42.3 percent in 2025. Neighboring Crawford, Richland, and Monroe counties reported rates in the 60 percent range, far below the 95 percent threshold needed for herd immunity.
Wisconsin now ranks fourth nationally in total measles cases, behind Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Utah. The state joins Pennsylvania and New York in reporting measles-related deaths in 2026. Pennsylvania confirmed its sixth measles death on Wednesday, though federal CDC data has not yet caught up with state-reported figures.
Public health experts warn that measles can cause severe complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis, and is particularly dangerous for infants who are too young to be vaccinated. The outbreak underscores the consequences of declining vaccination rates, a trend that has been exacerbated by misinformation and vaccine hesitancy.
State officials are intensifying outreach efforts in affected communities, emphasizing the safety and efficacy of the MMR vaccine. "Measles can cause serious illness and death," Johnson reiterated, "and it is important for all Wisconsinites to evaluate their risk and take steps to protect themselves and their family."
The political landscape in Wisconsin has been shaped by recent elections, with Democrats flipping two congressional seats and winning the governor's race, as reported in Crowley's historic gubernatorial victory and Berman's upset in the 1st District. The measles crisis may now become a key issue for state lawmakers debating vaccine mandates and public health funding.
