WISCONSIN (CBS 58) -- An infant in southwestern Wisconsin has died, according to the state's Department of Health Services (DHS), in connection to an ongoing measles outbreak. 

"It is with a heavy heart we are reporting the first death of an infant connected with a measles outbreak in Wisconsin in many years. My heart is broken for the family," said DHS Secretary Kirsten Johnson. "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."

DHS says it's the first death of this kind reported in Wisconsin since 1990.

Health officials say anyone can become seriously ill, but children younger than 5 years old, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems are at the greatest risk of complications.

As of Nov. 3, 431 cases have been reported across 13 counties this year, marking the highest number of cases in Wisconsin in more than 35 years. Health officials are urging vaccination, noting that two doses are approximately 97% effective in preventing the disease. 

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