An unvaccinated Lancaster County resident who tested positive for measles has died, the Pennsylvania Department of Health said Sept. 30. It is the fifth measles-associated death in the state since the outbreak began in late April.
The state now counts 943 confirmed cases in 39 counties this year, with 176 hospitalizations. That includes 40 new cases since Sept. 28. Only four cases, fewer than 1%, have been in vaccinated people.
The state is not releasing the person's age, the date of death, or the complications involved. "To protect the privacy of the individual and their family, DOH will not release any additional details that could personally identify them," the department said. For families in affected counties, the death is a reminder that measles remains a serious illness even in places with modern hospitals nearby.
A Fifth Death as the Count Keeps Climbing
The new death follows four others. Two unvaccinated Lancaster County residents, one of them an infant, died in deaths announced in August. An unvaccinated 18-year-old from Mifflin County and an unvaccinated 40-year-old Jefferson County woman with severe chronic lung disease died in deaths announced Sept. 15. MedicalDaily previously reported on the state's four-death count and the federal tally gap, and later on how schools near Pittsburgh prepared as cases reached 903.
Lancaster County remains the center of the outbreak. CBS Philadelphia reported 381 cases there, in a county with an 85% vaccination rate. Philadelphia, where 94.5% of kindergartners have received the MMR vaccine, had reported no cases.
The federal count has lagged. The CDC's national tally listed 3,659 confirmed U.S. cases and two deaths as of Sept. 24, and the agency has not said where those deaths occurred. It is not yet clear whether or when the CDC will add Pennsylvania's newest death.
Measles Can Still Kill in a Modern Health System
Measles is not just a rash and a fever. The virus can weaken the immune system and attack the lungs and brain. About 1 in 5 unvaccinated people in the U.S. who get measles is hospitalized, according to the CDC.
As many as 1 in 20 children with measles get pneumonia, the most common cause of measles death in young children. About 1 in 1,000 children develops encephalitis, a swelling of the brain that can cause lasting damage. "Nearly 1 to 3 of every 1,000 children who become infected with measles will die from respiratory and neurologic complications," the CDC says.
Hospitals can support breathing and treat complications. But no antiviral drug cures measles, so doctors can only manage its effects while the body fights the infection. That is why prevention matters so much.
The people at highest risk of severe illness include children under 5, adults over 20, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems. Pennsylvania reports that nearly 20% of identified cases have needed hospital care.
Infants are especially vulnerable because they are too young for routine MMR shots until 12 months. They depend on the people around them being immune. For families in Lancaster and neighboring counties, that makes the vaccination status of parents, older siblings, grandparents, and caregivers a direct protection for the youngest children.
Measles spreads easily. "In a population where people are susceptible, about 9 in every 10 people who are susceptible and are exposed to someone with measles will develop measles," Dr. Lawrence Livornese, an infectious disease specialist at Main Line Health, told CBS Philadelphia.
Families Are Lining Up for Vaccines
Demand for vaccination has jumped. The state reported more than 53,000 MMR doses given statewide in September, compared with about 25,000 in a typical month. State health center staff have given more than 5,500 MMR doses at 180 pop-up clinics since the outbreak began.
Two doses of MMR vaccine provide 97% lifetime protection, the health department said. Children usually get the first dose at 12 to 15 months and the second at 4 to 6 years, though doctors may offer an early dose to infants in outbreak areas. Adults who are unsure of their status can ask a clinician about records or a blood test, or simply get vaccinated.
Early measles symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a rash that starts on the face. Anyone with symptoms after a possible exposure should call a doctor's office or emergency room before arriving so staff can prevent spread in waiting rooms. Trouble breathing, confusion, seizures, or extreme drowsiness need emergency care.
Pennsylvanians with questions can call the state's health hotline at 877-PA-HEALTH. MedicalDaily will update this story as the state and CDC release new figures.
Key Questions Answered
What happened? Pennsylvania confirmed that an unvaccinated Lancaster County resident with measles has died, the fifth measles-associated death in the state's outbreak.
How many cases has Pennsylvania reported? As of Sept. 30, the state counts 943 confirmed cases in 39 counties and 176 hospitalizations.
Why isn't the state sharing more about the patient? The health department said it will not release details that could identify the person or their family.
How can measles be fatal? It can cause pneumonia and brain swelling. No antiviral drug cures it, so doctors can only treat complications.
Who is most at risk? Children under 5, adults over 20, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems face the highest risk of severe illness.
How well does the vaccine work? Two MMR doses provide 97% lifetime protection, according to the state.
What should someone with symptoms do? Call a health care provider before visiting so staff can prepare and avoid exposing others.
Published by Medicaldaily.com
