Wisconsin reports first measles death since 1990

An infant died after contracting measles in Wisconsin, marking the state's first death linked to the disease since 1990, state health authorities said.

Wisconsin Department of Health Services Secretary Kirsten Johnson said Thursday that the death was connected with a measles outbreak in the state and urged people to protect themselves and their families.

Wisconsin has reported 431 measles cases in 13 counties so far in 2026, according to the state health department.

The United States is facing its worst measles outbreak in decades. As of October 29, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had reported 4,834 cases in 47 states.

New York authorities reported the state's first death linked to measles in 30 years on Monday. Governor Kathy Hochul declared a statewide disaster emergency last month after measles outbreaks in New York and neighbouring states.

Measles was declared eradicated in the United States in 2000 after years of vaccination campaigns, but it has returned in recent years as vaccine scepticism and mistrust of health authorities have grown. The disease can cause fever, respiratory symptoms, painful rashes and, in severe cases, pneumonia and brain inflammation that can lead to death.