An infant in Wisconsin died of measles, marking the state’s first death linked to the disease in 36 years, the state's Department of Health Services announced on Thursday.The Department of Health Services said the child died in southwestern Wisconsin but did not provide a more precise location.The department said it would not release any additional details to protect the privacy of the family.The coroner listed the immediate cause of death as measles."It is with a heavy heart we are reporting the first death of an infant connected with a measles outbreak in Wisconsin in many years.
My heart is broken for the family," state Department of Health Services Secretary Kirsten Johnson said in a statement.CHILD'S MEASLES DEATH MARKS NEW YORK STATE'S FIRST IN MORE THAN 30 YEARS AMID OUTBREAKAn infant in Wisconsin died of measles, marking the state’s first death linked to the disease in 36 years.(REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton)"Any death of a child is a tragedy and even more so when it is related to a vaccine-preventable disease.
Measles can cause serious illness and death, and it is important for all Wisconsinites to evaluate their risk and take steps to protect themselves and their family," she continued.Measles can cause life-threatening complications, including pneumonia and swelling of the brain.The department said that while anyone can become seriously ill, children younger than 5, pregnant people and people with weakened immune systems are at increased risk of complications.Wisconsin has reported 431 measles cases in 13 counties so far this year, reflecting the highest number of cases seen in the state in more than 35 years.
Among these cases, nine people required hospitalization for severe symptoms.State officials urged Wisconsinites to be proactive in preventing illness to protect themselves and their communities, saying the best way to prevent measles is with the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine.Wisconsin has reported 431 measles cases in 13 counties so far t...