Second child dies to the Wisconsin measles outbreak, health officials say

Wisconsin health officials announced on Friday a second death associated with the ongoing measles outbreak in the state.

The Details

The Wisconsin Department of Health said that a child in Grant County died, marking the second death of the 2026 outbreak. The agency did not release the child’s name.

Child dies of measles in Wisconsin’s first such death since 1990 Wisconsin has reported its highest number of measles cases in more than 35 years.

As of Friday, Wisconsin had reported 649 measles cases across 20 counties since August. Health officials said the total likely does not capture the full spread of the virus because some people may not seek medical care or testing.

According to health officials, measles spreads through the air and close contact. Young children, pregnant people and those with weakened immune systems face a higher risk.

Wisconsin health officials urged residents to check their vaccination status and stay home if they have been exposed to measles.

The agency said it has distributed nearly 2,000 doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine to communities with confirmed cases.

For more information about measles, click here.