Wisconsin reports first measles death in 36 years
State officials confirmed a baby in southwest Wisconsin died from the virus, bringing the state total to 431 cases.
By Daphne Turner ·
State health officials announced Thursday that a baby in southwest Wisconsin died from measles, marking the first death from the disease in the state in 36 years.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services issued the statement without specifying the exact location of the death or providing further details to protect the family's privacy. The state medical examiner determined that measles was the cause of death.
Kirsten Johnson, secretary of the state health department, addressed the news directly. "Me duele mucho lo sucedido a la familia," Johnson said. She added that the death of any child is a tragedy, particularly when the illness is preventable through vaccination.
Measles transmission within the United States was effectively stopped in 2000 through high vaccination rates. However, those rates have declined in recent years, falling below the 95 percent coverage threshold required to prevent outbreaks of the viral disease.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have confirmed four measles-associated deaths in the U.S. this year. State health departments have reported higher figures. Pennsylvania officials have logged five deaths this year and are investigating a possible sixth.
As of Thursday, Wisconsin reported 431 cases of measles. All but three of those patients were unvaccinated. Nine individuals were hospitalized during the outbreak.
