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Pennsylvania Records Third Measles-Related Death Amid Outbreak
Confirmed
In Short: A 40-year-old woman has died from measles complications in Pennsylvania, marking the third such death this year as the state grapples with its largest outbreak since 1991.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed the death of a 40-year-old woman from measles-related illness, bringing the total to three deaths in the state this year. The outbreak has hospitalized 124 people and recorded 676 cases as of Friday.
Health officials noted that fewer than 1% of confirmed cases had been fully vaccinated. The two previous deaths involved infants, according to the Lancaster County coroner. The Jefferson County coroner’s office is working with state health officials on the case.
The U.S. is experiencing its largest measles outbreak since 1991, with more than 3,000 confirmed cases this year, according to the CDC. The Trump administration is seeking to lower Medicare drug costs as part of its 'most-favored nation' pricing policy.
In a statement, CDC Director Erica Schwartz suggested that Pennsylvania has not availed itself of repeated offers from the CDC to provide 'on-the-ground measles outbreak support.' The CDC had not been notified of this latest death, according to the statement.
What's confirmed
- The Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed the death of a 40-year-old woman from measles-related illness, bringing the total to three deaths in the state this year. The outbreak has hospitalized 124 people and recorded 676 cases as of Friday.
- Health officials noted that fewer than 1% of confirmed cases had been fully vaccinated. The two previous deaths involved infants, according to the Lancaster County coroner. The Jefferson County coroner’s office is working with state health officials on the case.
- The U.S. is experiencing its largest measles outbreak since 1991, with more than 3,000 confirmed cases this year, according to the CDC. The Trump administration is seeking to lower Medicare drug costs as part of its 'most-favored nation' pricing policy.
- In a statement, CDC Director Erica Schwartz suggested that Pennsylvania has not availed itself of repeated offers from the CDC to provide 'on-the-ground measles outbreak support.' The CDC had not been notified of this latest death, according to the statement.
What's still developing
- The woman is the third person reported to have died in connection with measles in Pennsylvania.
- Morning Rundown: Diesel prices hit new high after key pipeline shuts, previewing the Emmy Awards, and the NFL’s record-breaking Sunday A 40-year-old woman has died from measles complications in Pennsylvania, marking the state’s third measles-associated death this year as the U.S.
- Test your knowledge with our new weekday mini crossword Helen Branswell covers issues broadly related to infectious diseases, including outbreaks, preparedness, research, and vaccine development.
- Late Sunday, the CDC appeared to rebuke Pennsylvania’s handling of its measles outbreak.
- The death of an unnamed 40-year-old woman Saturday follows the deaths of two children "Many people associate measles with a childhood illness, but it can lead to severe complications in individuals of any age," Jason Stiver, Jefferson County Deputy Coroner and public relations officer, said in a statement.