Pennsylvania reports most measles death in US over 30 years: Here's update

Pennsylvania reports most measles death in US over 30 years: Here's update Pennsylvania health officials confirmed Tuesday, September 15, the fourth measles-related death as the state battles its worst outbreak in more than three decades. The latest fatality was an unvaccinated person who lived in Mifflin County, as per the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Over the weekend, the Jefferson County coroner reported the death of a 40-year-old unvaccinated woman who died September 12 from complications linked with measles. Two other deaths occurred among infants in Lancaster County in August. It has been confirmed that all four victims were unvaccinated. Secretary of Health Dr Debra Bogen said: 'I am deeply saddened to confirm that a fourth Pennsylvanian has died from measles. My thoughts are with the families who lost loved ones to this highly contagious virus, as Pennsylvania faces the worst measles outbreak in more than three decades.' Why is measles spreading in Pennsylvania? Pennsylvania has the largest and deadliest outbreak of measles, with 693 cases and four deaths, driven by declining vaccination rates and the virus's extreme contagiousness. Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, but it resurges wherever vaccination coverage drops.