Don't forget history as Wisconsin measles outbreak spreads | Opinion
September 3, 2026
By : Svapna Sabnis, MD
In 1990, there was a measles epidemic in the United States with over 27,000 cases and 89 deaths. Milwaukee was an epicenter, with 1,095 cases mostly affecting communities of color and children under five. More than a quarter of people infected were hospitalized, and three children died.
We learned from this. A second dose of the vaccine was added to the childhood schedule. We worked to address reasons why children were missing or behind on recommended vaccines.