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News
A third Pennsylvanian has died from measles this year — a 40-year-old unvaccinated woman with multiple chronic conditions, including COPD and asthma. Her death follows two infant fatalities in Lancaster County last month. With 676 confirmed cases statewide and 3,294 nationwide, the U.S. is facing its worst measles outbreak in 35 years, driven largely by declining vaccination rates.
Pennsylvania's measles outbreak has claimed a third life: a 40-year-old unvaccinated woman from Jefferson County who died Saturday after experiencing measles symptoms for six days. Jefferson County Coroner Greg Furlong confirmed "good, conclusive evidence" of measles, describing it as a "measles-associated death" while awaiting final post-mortem results. The woman had multiple chronic conditions — including COPD, asthma, anemia, and hypertension — and had close contact with a neighbor who had a lab-confirmed measles case. Her husband showed similar symptoms but survived.
This death follows two infant fatalities in Lancaster County in August, making Pennsylvania the hardest-hit state in the nation. The CDC has yet to formally record any of the three Pennsylvania deaths in its national tally, as it works with state epidemiologists to standardize the definition of a measles-related death.
By the Numbers:
Why it matters: Measles was eliminated in the U.S. over two decades ago, yet declining vaccination rates have allowed it to resurge with deadly consequences. These deaths are a stark reminder that vaccine-preventable diseases remain a serious threat, especially for those with underlying health conditions.
