# Wisconsin reports first measles death since 1990 > Wisconsin's first measles death in 36 years sparks national health alert as US toll rises. - Title: Wisconsin reports first measles death since 1990 | Shortify - Summary: Wisconsin's first measles death in 36 years sparks national health alert as US toll rises. - Keywords: cdc, measles, wisconsin, measles outbreak, vaccination, measles deaths, measles cases, unvaccinated, measles hospitalization, measles vaccination rate, Straight Arrow - Source: Straight Arrow — https://san.com/cc/wisconsin-reports-first-measles-death-since-1990-as-us-toll-rises - Published: 2026-11-06T12:06:41+00:00 - Read time: 1 min - Topics: cdc, measles, wisconsin, measles outbreak, vaccination, measles deaths, measles cases, unvaccinated, measles hospitalization, measles vaccination rate, news, politics ## First measles death in Wisconsin Wisconsin reports its first measles death since 1990 as the state's third death this week. > We are saddened to report the death of an infant associated with the ongoing measles outbreak in southwestern Wisconsin, the first death of this kind in our state since 1990 ## National death toll rises Eight measles deaths reported nationwide this year, the highest since 1991, though CDC lists four. > Together, those state reports bring the number of measles-related deaths announced nationwide this year to eight, the most since 1991 ## Measles cases surge 4,852 confirmed measles cases nationwide as of October 29, more than double last year's total. > According to the CDC’s latest published figures, 4,852 measles cases had been confirmed nationwide as of Oct. 29 ## Pennsylvania outbreak Pennsylvania reports 1,467 measles cases with six deaths, the epicenter of the outbreak. > Pennsylvania, which is at the center of the outbreak, has seen a total of 1,467 measles cases with six deaths ## Wisconsin cases Wisconsin reports 431 measles cases across 13 counties with nine hospitalizations. > Wisconsin has also reported 431 cases across 13 counties this year, with nine people hospitalized ## Vaccination rates drop Measles vaccination coverage among U.S. kindergarteners fell from 95.2% in 2019-20 to 92.4% in 2025-2026. > CDC data show measles vaccination coverage among U.S. kindergarteners fell from 95.2% in the 2019, 20 school year to 92.4% in 2025, 2026 ## Unvaccinated cases 96% of confirmed measles cases involved unvaccinated or unknown vaccination status. > About 96% of confirmed cases involved people who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown ## Health officials warn Health officials urge vaccination and monitoring for symptoms after exposure to measles. > DHS urges Wisconsinites to verify vaccination status using the Wisconsin Immunization Registry to prevent further spread ## Measles risks Measles can cause life-threatening complications including pneumonia and brain swelling. > Measles can cause life-threatening complications including pneumonia and brain swelling ## State response Wisconsin DHS coordinates with local health partners for case identification and vaccination efforts. > The Department continues coordinating with local health partners to support case identification, testing, and vaccination efforts across the State ## Vaccination threshold Health officials consider 95% vaccination coverage necessary to prevent sustained measles outbreaks. > Health officials generally consider 95% coverage necessary to prevent sustained outbreaks ## Measles elimination status The U.S. risks losing measles elimination status due to rising cases. > The outbreak has also intensified religious freedom disputes and legal battles over school vaccination requirements, while raising concerns about whether the U.S. can retain its measles elimination status ## Religious freedom disputes Measles outbreak intensifies religious freedom disputes and legal battles over school vaccination requirements. > The outbreak has also intensified religious freedom disputes and legal battles over school vaccination requirements ## Measles outbreak timeline Measles outbreak began in southwestern Wisconsin with infant death reported on November 5. > The Wisconsin death, the state’s first since 1990, adds to a U.S. measles death toll that is the highest the country has seen in 35 years ## CDC tracking changes CDC changed tracking methods to rely on national mortality records rather than state health department reports. > The discrepancy stems in part from a change in how the federal agency tracks measles deaths, relying on national mortality records rather than state health department reports ## Public health response Public health officials recommend vaccination and monitoring for measles exposure. > DHS Secretary Kirsten Johnson said: 'Any death of a child is a tragedy and even more so when it is related to a vaccine-preventable disease' ## Key takeaway Wisconsin reports its first measles death since 1990, the third US death this week, as cases top 430 nationwide.