The Wisconsin Department of Health Services and the Grant County Health Department said Friday they had confirmation of a pediatric measles-associated death, the second death connected to the state's 2026 measles outbreak¹.

DHS said it will not release additional information about the child or the family, citing privacy¹. The Friday release did not state the child's age or vaccination status¹.

As of Nov. 13, DHS reported 649 measles cases in 20 counties since August 2026, which it said is the highest number of cases in Wisconsin in more than 35 years¹. The department said reported counts may not show the full spread because not everyone who becomes ill seeks care or is tested¹.

DHS said it is working with local and Tribal health departments and health care partners on case finding, testing, and vaccination¹. Since Aug. 1, it said it had delivered nearly 2,000 doses of measles-mumps-rubella vaccine to local health departments in communities with confirmed cases and that more than 45,600 MMR doses had been given by local public health agencies and providers in that period¹.

"Preventing the spread of measles takes action from all of us," State Health Officer Paula Tran said, urging recommended vaccinations and staying home after possible exposure¹. DHS advised people with fever and rash, especially after exposure or if unvaccinated, to call a clinician before visiting a clinic or hospital¹.

Not medical advice.

Sources

1. Wisconsin Department of Health ServicesWisconsin DHS Reports Second Death Connected to the Ongoing Measles Outbreak1:00 PM

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