Wisconsin’s health department has confirmed the death of an infant from measles, the state’s first measles death since 1990. The death comes as Wisconsin’s 2026 outbreak passes 431 cases across 13 counties, with nine people hospitalized and the case count climbing fast. Nearly all of the patients were unvaccinated, and most cases are linked to an outbreak in southwestern Wisconsin tied to out-of-state travel.
State health officials are urging vaccination and now recommend an early MMR dose for infants 6 to 11 months old who may be at higher risk of exposure, ahead of the usual first birthday. The state’s top health official called the death of a child a tragedy, especially when it’s tied to a vaccine-preventable disease.
For Suncoast families, this is a good moment to check vaccination records, especially with snowbird season bringing visitors from across the country. Measles is highly contagious, but two doses of MMR protect most people for life. If you’re unsure about your family’s status, your doctor or the Florida Department of Health can help. Have you checked your family’s vaccination records lately?
