Pennsylvania reports fourth measles-linked death as outbreak worsens

Pennsylvania health officials confirmed the death of an 18-year-old resident of Mifflin County from acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, a severe neurological condition linked to measles. The coroner's office announced the finding on social media. The victim, like three other recent measles fatalities in the state—a 40-year-old woman in Jefferson County and two infants in Lancaster County—had not been vaccinated; the infants were too young for immunization under current guidelines.

The state has recorded nearly 700 measles cases across 38 counties this year, including about 100 cases in the past week. These deaths are the first reported in Pennsylvania in 35 years, and they contribute to a national total of seven measles-associated deaths over the past two years, the highest count since 1991.

"My thoughts are with the two families who lost loved ones to this virus, as Pennsylvania faces the worst measles outbreak in more than three decades," state health secretary Dr. Debra Bogen said in a statement. "We remain committed to working with our partners across Pennsylvania to stem this outbreak and prevent more deaths. That means ensuring people have the facts about measles and access to the MMR vaccine, which kept measles outbreaks at bay for decades."

Public health experts note that U.S. vaccination rates have fallen below the 95% threshold needed to prevent widespread transmission, contributing to the resurgence of measles cases. International health officials are scheduled to meet in November to assess whether the United States and Mexico have maintained measles-free status.