Amid the worst measles outbreak seen nationwide in decades, Wisconsin has reported its first infant death linked to the virus. State health officials announced on May 5 that one infant had died in connection with a localized measles cluster in the southwestern region of the state.
First Measles Fatality in Wisconsin Since 1990
This marks the first measles-related fatality in Wisconsin since 1990. The identity and specific details of the deceased baby have not been disclosed. According to the state Department of Health Services, the cumulative number of measles cases in Wisconsin reached 431 by May 3, marking the highest total in over 35 years. The vast majority of cases occurred in the southwest region, with nine patients requiring hospitalization.
Health authorities emphasized that receiving two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine provides approximately 97% protection against the disease, urging the public to stay up to date on immunizations.
National Spread and Discrepancies in Official Data
Data from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that nationwide measles cases reached 5,182 as of May 5, more than double last year’s annual total of 2,289 and representing the highest volume since 1991. The CDC officially recorded four measles deaths as of May 6, though this differs from totals reported by individual state health departments (including 6 in Pennsylvania, 1 in New York, and 1 in Wisconsin).
The discrepancy occurs because the CDC relies on completed cause-of-death verification procedures by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) before including cases in its official statistics. Meanwhile, in neighboring Illinois, measles cases totaled 24 as of October 29, concentrated mostly in central regions with no reported hospitalizations or deaths.
