Pennsylvania Measles Outbreak Claims Third Reported Death

A 40-year-old unvaccinated woman in Pennsylvania passed away on Saturday, likely due to complications from measles. This development was confirmed by Greg Furlong, the Jefferson County coroner, on Sunday.

The state of Pennsylvania is currently experiencing a rapidly growing measles outbreak, which has affected over 670 individuals and led to 124 hospitalizations. Last month, the state health department reported two fatalities linked to the outbreak, sparking debate over their direct connection to measles.

In this recent case, the preliminary death certificate revealed that the woman died from respiratory failure ‘due to suspected measles.’ Though testing has yet to confirm a measles diagnosis, symptoms such as a characteristic rash that begins on the face and spreads to the body, as well as recent exposure to a measles case, point towards the virus. A nasal swab is being sent to the state laboratory for confirmation, Mr. Furlong stated.

The deceased woman had chronic medical issues, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which left her on constant supplemental oxygen and highly susceptible to severe measles complications. The state health department has not officially included her death in its records but is coordinating with Mr. Furlong.

Typically, measles cases in the United States are mild. However, approximately one in five unvaccinated individuals with the virus require hospitalization, often due to complications like pneumonia, severe dehydration, and brain swelling. The virus poses a heightened risk for young children, adults over 20, and those with weakened immune systems.

Measles-related fatalities are rare in the U.S. Still, due to the virus’s recent resurgence, there have been a few deaths. Last year, two children and one adult succumbed to measles complications, marking the first such incidents in the country in ten years.

Teddy Rosenbluth is a reporter for The Times, focusing on health news and medical misinformation.