Wisconsin Reports First Measles Death Since 1990 Amid Rising Cases
An infant in southwestern Wisconsin has died after contracting measles, marking the state's first measles-related death in 36 years. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services announced the fatality but did not disclose specific details about the location or the family to protect their privacy. State health officials confirmed that the coroner listed measles as the cause of death. Kirsten Johnson, secretary of the state health department, expressed sorrow over the tragedy, emphasizing that it was preventable through vaccination. The U.S. had largely eliminated the domestic spread of measles by 2000 due to high vaccination rates, but these rates have recently fallen below the 95% threshold required to prevent outbreaks. As of Thursday, Wisconsin has reported 431 measles cases, with all but three occurring in unvaccinated individuals, and nine people have been hospitalized.
