Child dies of measles in Wisconsin's first death since 1990

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 5 Nov, 20:21 · Archive

An infant in southwestern Wisconsin has died from 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 occurred or provide additional details to protect the family's privacy.

Vaccination rates have fallen in recent years below the 95 per cent coverage needed to prevent outbreaks of the viral disease. The U.S. stopped the domestic spread of measles in 2000 by maintaining high vaccination rates. Kirsten Johnson, secretary of the state health department, said: 'Any death of a child is a tragedy and even more so when it is related to a vaccine-preventable disease.'

As of Thursday, Wisconsin had reported 431 measles cases, all but three in unvaccinated people, with nine people hospitalised. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed four measles-associated deaths in the U.S. this year, though state health departments have reported higher numbers. Pennsylvania alone has reported five deaths this year and is investigating a possible sixth.

How it is being reported

• Child dies of measles in Wisconsin's first such death since 1990An infant in southwestern Wisconsin has died from measles, the state’s first such death in 36 years.News4Jax · 5 Nov, 19:27
• Child dies of measles in Wisconsin's first such death since 1990An infant in southwestern Wisconsin has died from measles, the state’s first such death in 36 years.Clickorlando · 5 Nov, 19:27

In this story: Wisconsin · Pennsylvania · Centers for Disease Control and Prevention · Kirsten Johnson

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