Pennsylvania reports fifth measles-related death

A fifth measles-related death occurred in Pennsylvania, which remains one of the nation’s hot spots for outbreaks of the virus.

The state Health Department reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that an unvaccinated person in Lancaster County died after testing positive for measles.

The number of confirmed measles cases stands at 943 across 39 counties this year. Less than 1% of the cases involved vaccinated people.

The department won’t release any details, in order to protect the privacy of the individual and their family. It’s providing up-to-date information on cases, hospitalizations, and deaths available on a measles dashboard.

Health leaders said the best protection against the highly contagious respiratory virus is to get fully vaccinated. The measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is available at each of the department’s 59 state health centers.

Measles can cause serious short- and long-term health problems including pneumonia and brain swelling. It spreads when a person who is infected breathes, coughs, or sneezes.

The death announced Wednesday is the third measles-related death in Lancaster County. Authorities said Aug. 25 that two Lancaster County infants died after exposure to the virus. The others were an 18-year-old from Mifflin County, according to the county coroner, and a 40-year-old Jefferson County woman. All were unvaccinated, the Health Department said.