Wisconsin reported its first measles fatality since 1990
An infant in Wisconsin died after contracting measles, the state’s first measles-related death since 1990, state health officials announced Thursday. Wisconsin recorded 431 cases in 13 counties this year, CNN reported. CNN also reported the death was the third measles-related U.S. death reported this week. The health department withheld further details to protect the family’s privacy.
More context
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services announced Thursday that the state had recorded its first measles fatality since 1990, involving an infant. The coroner listed measles as the cause of death, state health officials said. The department did not identify where the death occurred or provide further details, citing the family’s privacy.
Kirsten Johnson, secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, said she was heartbroken for the family and called any child’s death a tragedy, particularly when linked to a vaccine-preventable disease.
As of Thursday, Wisconsin had reported 431 measles cases in 13 counties; all but three were in unvaccinated people, and nine people had been hospitalized, the Associated Press reported. NBC News reported the death was the third measles-related death announced in the U.S. this week.
Was this story useful?
What was the main problem? (optional)
Reporting
- The Hill — Wisconsin reports first measles death since 1990
- NBC News — Wisconsin reports first measles death in decades, the U.S.’ third this week
- CNN — Wisconsin infant is US’ third measles-related death this week | CNN
- NBC Chicago — Infant first child to die from measles in Wisconsin since 1990 – NBC Chicago
- statnews.com — Child dies of measles in Wisconsin, first such death since 1990 | STAT
- kcrg.com — Wisconsin reports its first measles death
- wausaupilotandreview.com — Infant dies of measles in Wisconsin, the state’s first measles death since 1990
- krdo.com — Wisconsin infant is US’ third measles-related death this week
Verifier’s note
The Hill, NBC News, STAT, NBC Chicago, KCRG, CNN, Wausau Pilot & Review, and KRDO all report that an infant’s measles-related death is Wisconsin’s first in decades. These same-day reports support the proposed event.