Wisconsin reports second child death in measles outbreak

Grant County has recorded a second child death from measles, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services announced Friday, withholding further details to protect the family's privacy, WDIO reported. The death follows the state's first measles-associated death since 1990, an infant whose death DHS announced on Nov. 5, Clinical Observer reported.

As of Nov. 13, Wisconsin's outbreak totaled 649 measles cases in 20 counties since August, the most in over 35 years, according to Wisconsin Public Radio. DHS cautioned that the true case count may be higher because not everyone who is infected seeks medical care or testing. Wisconsin's measles case count for this year ranks fourth among U.S. states, according to CDC data cited by Wisconsin Public Radio. Measles is one of the most contagious viruses, and serious complications can include pneumonia and brain swelling, with young children, pregnant individuals, and those with compromised immunity at highest risk.

Across the country, 5,412 measles cases have been confirmed in 2026, and Pennsylvania has now had seven measles-related deaths, along with 1,542 cases and 305 hospitalizations, AHA News reported. Nationwide, 96 percent of cases involved people whose vaccination status was unvaccinated or unknown, according to the news service. Earlier in the outbreak, state data showed that all but three of the confirmed patients in Wisconsin were unvaccinated, Clinical Observer reported.

Wisconsin has been distributing vaccine to affected areas. Since Aug. 1, roughly 2,000 MMR vaccine doses have been shipped to communities with confirmed infections, and local agencies and health care providers have given over 45,600 doses in all. DHS recommends two doses of MMR, which are about 97 percent effective at preventing measles. The department also advised last week that infants 6 months old or older who face a higher exposure risk get the shot. Wisconsin residents can check their vaccination records through the Wisconsin Immunization Registry or by contacting a health care provider.

State Health Officer Paula Tran urged residents to make sure their families are vaccinated and to stay home after exposure. 'Preventing the spread of measles takes action from all of us,' she said. DHS advises people who develop a fever and rash, particularly if they are unvaccinated or have been exposed, to phone their provider before going to a clinic or hospital.

Because officials have released no further details about the second child, the announcement does not indicate whether the child had been vaccinated, had known risk factors for severe disease, or belonged to an age group at higher risk. It also does not capture unreported infections that may not have been counted in the 649-case total.