New York (AFP) – A child died after contracting measles in Wisconsin, the first death from this disease in that state in more than 35 years, authorities said Thursday.

First modification: 06/11/2026 - 12:37

The United States is experiencing its worst outbreak in decades of this disease, which was declared eradicated in 2000 but has returned in recent years due to growing skepticism toward vaccines.

"It is with regret that we announce the first death of a child in many years, related to a measles outbreak in Wisconsin," Department of Health Secretary Kirsten Johnson said in a statement.

"Any death of a child is a tragedy, especially when it is a disease that could be prevented with a vaccine," the official added.

The Department of Health said it is the first recorded death from measles in Wisconsin since 1990.

The current measles outbreak had caused, as of October 29, 4,834 cases in 47 states of the country, according to health authorities.

In Wisconsin, the Department of Health has reported 431 cases in 13 counties so far this year.

New York, for its part, reported the first death from measles in its territory in 30 years, this past Monday.

Measles causes fever, breathing difficulties, painful rashes and, in severe cases, pneumonia and brain inflammation, which can lead to death.

This infection causes tens of thousands of deaths each year around the world.

© 2026 AFP

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