Pennsylvania reports measles death of unvaccinated 40-year-old amid rising outbreak
A Jefferson County coroner confirmed the death of an unvaccinated 40-year-old woman from measles complications, as Pennsylvania's health department records 676 cases and over 100 new infections in the latest week.
A Jefferson County coroner announced Sunday that a 40-year-old unvaccinated woman died on September 12 from complications linked to measles. The coroner's office declined to release further identifying details out of respect for the family.
Pennsylvania health officials are investigating the fatality. The state health department has documented 676 measles cases, including more than 100 new cases reported in the past week, and 124 hospitalizations. Most patients are unvaccinated.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it has not been formally notified of the death and has not received a request for an epidemiological assistance team. CDC Director Dr. Erica Schwartz noted that the agency has offered support but has not been asked to deploy resources.
Earlier in August, Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen said her team was holding regular meetings with CDC staff, responding to criticism from health official Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about information sharing after two earlier measles-related deaths were reported.