Wisconsin reports its first measles-related death since 1990

A child died after contracting measles in Wisconsin—the first death from the disease in that state in more than 35 years, authorities said Thursday.

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

"It is with a heavy heart we are reporting the first death of an infant connected with a measles outbreak," Wisconsin Health Secretary Kirsten Johnson said in a statement.

"Any death of a child is a tragedy and even more so when it is related to a vaccine-preventable disease," the official added.

The Department of Health said this is the first recorded measles-related death in Wisconsin since 1990.

As of Oct. 29, the current measles outbreak had resulted in 4,834 cases in 47 states across 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 reported its first measles-related death 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 worldwide.