Additional Coverage:
- Another adult dies in growing Pennsylvania measles outbreak as officials brush disease under rug (themirror.com)
A third adult has died from measles complications in Pennsylvania, intensifying concerns amid a rapidly expanding outbreak and sparking tensions between state and federal authorities.
The latest victim, a 40-year-old unvaccinated woman from Jefferson County, passed away on Saturday, the county coroner’s office confirmed in a statement. This marks the third measles-related death in the state since late August. The first two fatalities occurred in Lancaster County, the epicenter of the outbreak, and were reported at the end of August-these were the first measles deaths in Pennsylvania in 35 years.
Currently, Lancaster County has recorded 676 cases, with 108 new infections reported last week alone, and 124 individuals hospitalized due to the illness.
Jefferson County Coroner Greg Furlong described the loss as “heartbreaking” and emphasized the severity of measles as a potentially life-threatening disease. He noted the woman had contracted measles from a family member and had underlying health issues, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, requiring continuous supplemental oxygen prior to infection.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health announced it will conduct its own review of the case and remains in communication with local officials.
Meanwhile, Dr. Erica Schwartz, the newly appointed director of the U.S.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), acknowledged the outbreak nationally for the first time. She noted that the CDC was not informed about the recent death and expressed concern that Pennsylvania has declined federal assistance.
“Despite repeated offers of assistance, Pennsylvania has not requested a CDC Epi-Aid, which would deploy epidemiologists and provide on-the-ground support,” Schwartz said. She highlighted that other states facing outbreaks-such as Texas, South Carolina, and Virginia-have accepted such help and worked collaboratively with federal teams to control measles spread.
The situation is further complicated by political disputes. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, revealed he declined federal assistance offered by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F.
Kennedy, citing concerns about Kennedy’s past rhetoric and alleged spread of vaccine misinformation. In response, Kennedy accused Shapiro on social media of politicizing the outbreak and even suggested, without evidence, that the reported deaths might be fabricated.
As the outbreak continues, public health officials urge vaccination and cooperation between state and federal agencies to contain the virus and prevent further loss of life.