Wisconsin reports first measles death; Pennsylvania announces 6th as cases climb nationally

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services reported Nov. 5 that an infant died of measles, marking the first measles-associated death in the state since 1990. The state is experiencing a measles outbreak of 431 cases this year as of Nov. 3. The department said nine people have been hospitalized. The Pennsylvania Department of Health Nov. 4 confirmed a sixth measles death in the state, and said an additional death reported in October has yet to meet the required criteria to be measles-associated. As of Nov. 6, Pennsylvania has 1,487 confirmed measles cases. New York also announced a measles-associated death Nov. 2.

Nationally, there are now 5,182 confirmed measles cases this year, according to a Nov. 6 update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The vaccination status of 96% cases is unvaccinated or unknown.