Third Measles Death Reported
Pennsylvania Officials Report State's Third Measles Death Involving an Unvaccinated Woman
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A 40-year-old unvaccinated woman from Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, died Saturday from measles complications, marking the state's third measles death in 2026 WRAL. Jefferson County Coroner Greg Furlong confirmed the woman was unvaccinated and emphasized that WRAL measles remains "a serious and potentially life-threatening disease." The death follows two infant deaths earlier this year, one a newborn who died shortly after birth from a ruptured spleen and another with a genetic condition that left her vulnerable to infection.
Pennsylvania has recorded 676 confirmed measles cases across 37 counties and 124 hospitalizations as of mid-September WRAL. Yet the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not officially counted any of the three state deaths in its national figures, citing ongoing technical review. The reporting discrepancy between state and federal health agencies has raised questions about how measles deaths are classified and communicated to the public.
Two Infant Deaths Earlier This Year
Pennsylvania reported its first two measles deaths in 35 years in late August 2026, both involving unvaccinated infants in Lancaster County Daily Item. Lancaster County Coroner Dr. Stephen Diamantoni said one male infant died shortly after birth from a traumatic splenic rupture with measles listed as a significant condition. The second infant, a 6-week-old girl born with a rare genetic disorder called Amish lethal microcephaly, died from measles-related complications Daily Item.
Why Federal and State Death Counts Don't Match
Death certificate rules create a gap between how states and the federal CDC count measles deaths WRAL. State agencies report deaths where measles was a contributing factor during active outbreaks. The CDC counts only primary underlying causes for official national tallies. This distinction explains why Pennsylvania lists three measles deaths while the CDC has not officially recognized any WRAL.
Pennsylvania's Outbreak Grows Amid Low Vaccination Rates
Pennsylvania reported 676 confirmed measles cases spread across 37 of 67 counties as of mid-September, with 124 people hospitalized Newsday. The state's health department administered over 3,500 MMR vaccines in August and nearly 1,000 more in early September to contain spread. Nationally, the CDC confirmed 3,294 cases across 47 jurisdictions in 2026—the highest annual total since 1991 Newsday.
Warnings That Measles Threatens Adults Too
Chief Deputy Coroner Jason Stiver of Jefferson County said The Daily Star the 40-year-old woman's death challenges the idea that measles only harms children. "Many people associate measles with a childhood illness, but it can lead to severe complications in individuals of any age," he said The Daily Star. Public health officials warn that unvaccinated adults face significant risks including severe respiratory illness, hospitalization, and death from measles.
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