Pa. Department of Health reports two more measles-associated deaths

Harrisburg, Pa. — The Pa. Department of Health reported on Sept. 15 that it confirmed two additional measles-associated deaths in Pa. Both individuals were unvaccinated. One lived in Jefferson County, and the other lived in Mifflin County.

To protect the privacy of the individuals and their families, additional details that could be used for personal identification will not be provided. Local officials in the counties where the deaths occurred may release additional details if desired.

The two additional deaths have been added to the Department’s online measles dashboard as of Wednesday afternoon.

The Department of Health continues to emphasize full vaccination as the best protection against measles. The MMR vaccine, administered over two doses, provides 97% lifetime protection. Its widespread adoption is credited for effectively controlling the illness over the last 30-plus years.

“My thoughts are with the two families who lost loved ones to this highly-contagious virus, as Pennsylvania faces the worst measles outbreak in more than three decades,” said Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen. “We remain committed to working with our partners across Pennsylvania to stem this outbreak and prevent more deaths. That means ensuring people have the facts about measles and access to the MMR vaccine – which kept measles outbreaks at bay for decades.”

Investigating and defining measles-associated deaths

To determine that cases met the criteria to be considered “measles-associated deaths” prior to announcements, the Department of Health conducted an investigation with cooperation from the Jefferson and Mifflin County coroners’ offices. The investigations included confirming clinical evidence of a measles infection; a positive laboratory test; and determining that the death was not due to an unrelated cause. This investigative process aligns with DOH’s detailed epidemiological case definition for determining a measles-associated death, which is detailed at pa.gov/measles. Additional factors, such as whether the individual was exposed to measles prior to their death and supporting medical records, were also considered.

Similar investigations were conducted when the Department reported two measles-associated deaths in Lancaster County on Aug. 25, the first Pa. measles deaths in 35 years.

About measles

Measles is a highly contagious virus that can cause serious short- and long-term health problems, including pneumonia and brain swelling, with nearly 20% of people identified with measles being hospitalized. Based on historical data, measles-associated death, though rare, occurs in one to three patients per 1,000 cases.

Measles spreads when a person who is infected and in their contagious phase breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus remains infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after the person with infection leaves the area.

Early symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis). The measles rash follows a few days later, starting on the head and spreading downward. Because early symptoms look similar to other respiratory viral infections, it is important to contact a health care provider early if someone has these symptoms or may have been exposed to measles. Symptoms can start seven to 21 days after exposure. Without proper protection or supportive care, measles can be deadly.

People who believe they were exposed to measles and are experiencing symptoms should contact their health care provider or call the Department’s toll-free hotline at 877-PA-HEALTH (877-724-3258).