Health1 min read

Child dies of measles in Wisconsin’s first such death since 1990

By · Via STAT Health · Published by Everything Blog

In short

Wisconsin has documented 431 measles cases and nine related hospitalizations, with all but three infections occurring in unvaccinated individuals. While the United States successfully halted domestic transmission in 2000, recent vaccination coverage has dropped below the crucial 95% threshold required to prevent community spread. The national resurgence has resulted in multiple fatalities, including four confirmed by federal officials and additional deaths under state investigation.

Key points

  • Wisconsin recorded its first measles fatality in over three decades amid an outbreak pred…: Wisconsin recorded its first measles fatality in over three decades amid an outbreak predominantly affecting unvaccinated residents.
  • National measles vaccination coverage has dropped below the critical 95 percent threshold…: National measles vaccination coverage has dropped below the critical 95 percent threshold needed to prevent widespread outbreaks.
  • Federal and state agencies are monitoring a deadly resurgence of a disease that saw domes…: Federal and state agencies are monitoring a deadly resurgence of a disease that saw domestic transmission halted in 2000.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

MADISON, Wis. — 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.

“My heart is broken for the family,” said Kirsten Johnson, secretary of the state health department. “Any death of a child is a tragedy and even more so when it is related to a vaccine-preventable disease.”

The U.S. stopped the domestic spread of measles in 2000 by maintaining high vaccination rates, but they have fallen in recent years to below the 95% coverage needed to prevent outbreaks of the viral disease.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed four measles-associated deaths in the U.S. this year, but state health departments have reported higher numbers. In Pennsylvania alone, health officials have reported five deaths this year and are investigating a possible sixth.

As of…

Health