A 40-year-old woman in Pennsylvania has reportedly died from complications related to measles. This case represents the third death linked to a rapidly growing measles outbreak in the state. The Jefferson County coroner, Greg Furlong, confirmed the woman’s likely cause of death was respiratory failure due to suspected measles.
The outbreak has sickened over 670 individuals and resulted in 124 hospitalizations. The state health department previously reported two deaths associated with the outbreak, sparking debate over whether the virus directly caused the deaths.
Although the woman exhibited multiple symptoms of measles, including the characteristic rash, testing is yet to confirm the presence of the virus. She had recently come into contact with someone diagnosed with measles. A nasal swab has been sent to the state laboratory for testing, as stated by Mr. Furlong.
The woman suffered from chronic health conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (C.O.P.D.), which left her reliant on supplemental oxygen around the clock. These conditions increased her susceptibility to severe complications from measles.
The state health department remains in communication with Mr. Furlong but has not yet counted the death in its official statistics.
In the United States, measles cases are generally mild. However, one in five unvaccinated individuals requires hospitalization due to complications such as pneumonia, severe dehydration, and brain swelling. The virus poses a significant threat to young children, adults over 20, and those with weakened immune systems.
Measles deaths remain rare in the U.S., but recent resurgences have led to few fatalities, including two children and one adult last year, the first deaths in a decade from the virus in the country.
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