A 40-year-old woman has died of complications from measles in Pennsylvania, marking the third measles-related death in the state this year, as the United States endures the worst resurgence of the highly contagious disease since 1991.
The woman, a Jefferson County resident, died Saturday, the town’s medical examiner, Greg Fulong, said.
“This is a heartbreaking loss for the family and an unfortunate reminder that measles can be a serious and life-threatening disease,” Fulong said.
No further information about the woman will be released, he added.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health said it was aware of the death reported by the Jefferson County coroner.
“The Department of Health is conducting a thorough review of this case and will provide the public with updated information when it becomes available,” officials said in a statement.
At least 676 cases of measles have been confirmed in 37 Pennsylvania counties so far this year, state health officials reported Friday. The outbreak has led to the hospitalization of 124 people. Of confirmed cases, less than 1% had been fully vaccinated, state health officials said.
The woman is the third person whose death has been reported as measles-related in Pennsylvania. The other two were babies, according to Lancaster County Coroner Stephen Diamantoni.
Measles symptoms usually begin with cough, fever, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a red skin rash. The disease can cause serious complications, such as pneumonia and inflammation of the brain.
The Jefferson County Medical Examiner’s Office is collaborating with Pennsylvania health authorities on this case, Furlong posted.
The United States is experiencing its largest measles outbreak since 1991, with more than 3,000 cases confirmed this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
