An infant in southwestern Wisconsin has died of measles, state health officials announced Thursday, marking the state’s first reported death of this kind since 1990.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services said in a November 5 statement that a coroner listed measles as the immediate cause of death.
Cases spread across 13 counties
The department reported 431 measles cases across 13 Wisconsin counties as of November 3, the highest number seen in the state in more than 35 years. Nine people had required hospitalization for severe symptoms.
Officials cautioned that reported cases may understate the extent of the outbreak because some people do not seek medical care or get tested.
“Any death of a child is a tragedy and even more so when it is related to a vaccine-preventable disease,” DHS Secretary Kirsten Johnson said in the statement.
State urges vaccination and early calls to providers
The health department said measles can cause life-threatening complications, including pneumonia and swelling of the brain. Children younger than five, pregnant people and people with weakened immune systems face a higher risk of complications.
DHS urged residents to check their vaccination records through the Wisconsin Immunization Registry or their health care provider. It said two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine are approximately 97% effective at preventing measles.
The department advised anyone exposed to measles to stay home. People who develop fever and a rash, especially after an exposure or if they are not vaccinated, should contact their health care provider and call ahead before visiting a clinic or hospital to avoid exposing others.
For families, the practical step is to check vaccination records with a health care provider and follow the state’s exposure guidance. Calling ahead before seeking care for a fever and rash helps a clinic protect other patients.
Outbreak response continues
State officials said they were working with local and Tribal health departments and health care partners on case tracking, testing, information sharing and vaccination.
Since August 1, DHS has delivered 2,000 MMR vaccine doses to local health departments in communities with confirmed cases. Health care providers have administered more than 42,000 MMR doses in Wisconsin over that period, according to the department.
JBizNews Desk | Health
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