Additional Coverage:
- Pennsylvania woman’s apparent measles death shows risks to people with health problems (nbcnews.com)
A 40-year-old woman from Pennsylvania passed away early Saturday morning due to complications likely linked to measles, according to the Jefferson County coroner’s office. The woman had a complex medical history, including chronic lung conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and required continuous oxygen support.
Jason Stiver, chief deputy coroner and public relations officer for Jefferson County, confirmed that the woman was found deceased at her home just before 8 a.m. She had not received the measles vaccine. State health authorities are currently running tests to confirm a measles infection, with results expected within the next day or so; initial indications suggest a positive diagnosis.
The woman exhibited classic measles symptoms, including fever and the characteristic rash, and lived with others showing similar signs. She also had close contact with a family member from another household who has been laboratory-confirmed to have measles.
This marks the third measles-related death in Pennsylvania amid a growing outbreak. Two infants recently died from complications connected to measles, including one who was born prematurely after his infected mother went into early labor.
As of Monday, Pennsylvania has confirmed 693 measles cases this year, with 99 reported just in the past week. The outbreak underscores the serious risk the virus poses to individuals with underlying health issues, as measles can affect multiple organs, including the lungs and heart. In rare cases, it can lead to fatal brain conditions years after infection.
Experts warn the actual number of cases may be significantly higher than reported, as measles historically causes about 1 to 2 deaths per 1,000 infections. The recent fatalities suggest there could be as many as 3,000 cases statewide, with many going untested.
The latest death has also intensified tensions between Pennsylvania’s health officials and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC has not officially acknowledged the measles deaths in the state. The Pennsylvania Department of Health notified the CDC on Monday about the ongoing investigation, which a CDC spokesperson confirmed.
CDC director Dr. Erica Schwartz noted that Pennsylvania has not requested federal assistance in managing the outbreak. The state health department stated it maintains a strong working relationship with the CDC and will consider additional support as needed.
Nationally, the U.S. is facing its largest measles outbreak since 1991, with 3,294 confirmed cases so far this year. Beyond Pennsylvania, three other measles-related deaths have occurred in 2025: one adult in New Mexico and two young girls in Texas, where a major outbreak has affected at least 762 people.