Wisconsin infant is US’ third measles-related death this week

By Jen Christensen, CNN (CNN) — An infant in Wisconsin has died in connection with a large, ongoing measles outbreak, the state health department said Thursday. The death marks the first measles-related death in Wisconsin in more than 35 years and the third reported in the US this week. “My heart is broken for the family,” said Kirsten Johnson, secretary of the state’s health department. “Any death of a child is a tragedy and even more so when it is related to a vaccine-preventable disease. Measles can cause serious illness and death, and it is important for all Wisconsinites to evaluate their risk and take steps to protect themselves and their family.” The health department said the coroner listed the immediate cause of death as measles. To protect the family’s privacy, the department will not release any additional details about the child, officials said. Wisconsin is experiencing its largest measles outbreak in more than three decades. As of Thursday, Wisconsin has recorded 431 ca