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Pennsylvania has reported a fourth measles-associated death as the state faces its worst measles outbreak in more than three decades.
The latest death involves an 18-year-old from Mifflin County who died from acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, a rare neurological complication linked to measles. The death follows the recent death of a 40-year-old woman in Jefferson County and two infant deaths in Lancaster County.
The four deaths mark the most measles-associated deaths reported in the United States in a single year since 1992, according to The Associated Press.
Pennsylvania reports four measles deaths
Pennsylvania health officials confirmed the latest deaths Tuesday.
The state has now reported four measles-associated deaths during its current outbreak. Officials say the outbreak has affected nearly 700 people across 38 counties.
The latest death involved an 18-year-old Mifflin County resident. The county coroner said the person died from acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, or ADEM. The condition can develop as a rare complication after a measles infection.
The state also reported the death of a Jefferson County resident. Earlier in August, two infants in Lancaster County died after measles infections.
According to Pennsylvania officials, none of the four people had received the measles vaccine. The infants were too young for vaccination under current recommendations.
Measles cases continue to rise
The deaths come as Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak continues to grow.
The state had reported 676 confirmed cases across 37 counties as of September 11. That number later reached nearly 700 cases across 38 counties.
The national situation has also drawn attention.
The CDC reported 3,294 confirmed measles cases across the United States as of September 10. The agency continues to track cases and outbreaks across the country.
Measles spreads easily among people who lack immunity. It can also cause serious complications, including pneumonia and inflammation of the brain.
Vaccination remains key to prevention
Health officials continue to emphasize vaccination as a key tool against measles.
The measles, mumps and rubella vaccine provides strong protection against the virus. Pennsylvania health officials say two doses are 97% effective at preventing measles infection.
When vaccination coverage falls, measles can spread more easily. The disease had been eliminated from continuous transmission in the United States in 2000 after years of widespread vaccination.
However, outbreaks have returned in recent years.
The current outbreak has renewed attention on vaccination rates and access to preventive care. Health officials continue to encourage eligible people to stay up to date with recommended vaccines.
Pennsylvania death toll raises new concerns
The latest deaths highlight the serious complications that measles can cause.
The Pennsylvania outbreak also represents a significant change after decades without this level of measles-related mortality in the state.
At the same time, Pennsylvania’s state count and the federal measles death count are not currently identical. The CDC has said it is working with health officials on how to classify and report measles-associated deaths nationally.
For now, Pennsylvania officials continue to monitor new infections, hospitalizations and deaths as the outbreak spreads.
The fourth reported death serves as another reminder of the potential consequences of measles, particularly among people without immunity.
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Source: CNN / Associated Press / CDC / Pennsylvania Department of Health
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