MADISON, Wis. — A second child has died in connection with Wisconsin's measles outbreak, the state Department of Health Services and the Grant County Health Department confirmed Friday.
DHS said it received confirmation of a pediatric measles-associated death and withheld further details to protect the family's privacy. The announcement came about a week after DHS reported the death of an infant, Wisconsin's first measles death in more than three decades, according to Wisconsin Public Radio.
As of Nov. 13, DHS had reported 649 measles cases in 20 counties since August 2026 — the highest number of cases in the state in more than 35 years. Reported counts may not reflect the full extent of spread, DHS said, because not everyone who becomes ill seeks medical care or gets tested. State epidemiologist Ryan Westergaard told Wisconsin Public Radio the true number is likely well over 1,000 cases.
Measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air and close contact. It can cause life-threatening complications including pneumonia and swelling of the brain. Children younger than 5, pregnant people and people with weakened immune systems face the highest risk of serious illness.
Two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles. Since Aug. 1, DHS has delivered nearly 2,000 doses of MMR vaccine to local health departments in communities with confirmed cases, and more than 45,600 total doses have been administered by local public health agencies and health care providers across Wisconsin.
"Preventing the spread of measles takes action from all of us," State Health Officer Paula Tran said. "From making sure our families are protected by getting the recommended vaccinations to staying home when we may have been exposed, we encourage everyone to work together to protect those who are most vulnerable to serious illness."
DHS advises anyone exposed to measles to stay home. Anyone who develops a fever and rash, especially after exposure or without vaccination, should contact a health care provider and call ahead before visiting a clinic or hospital so steps can be taken to prevent exposing others.
