Pa. Department of Health confirms sixth measles-associated death
Harrisburg, Pa. — An unvaccinated Jefferson County resident has died after testing positive for measles, the Pennsylvania Department of Health announced today. It is the state’s sixth confirmed measles-associated death this year. As of Nov. 4, Pennsylvania has recorded 1,467 confirmed measles cases across 45 counties, with 283 hospitalizations. Of those cases, fewer than 1% (five people) were vaccinated. The deaths involve two residents of Jefferson County, three of Lancaster County, and one of Mifflin County. The department is not releasing further identifying details to protect the family’s privacy. It also noted that a reported death of a Franklin County resident in October does not yet meet the criteria for a confirmed measles-associated death after investigation. Health officials continue to urge vaccination. The MMR vaccine provides about 97 percent lifetime protection after two doses. Since the outbreak began in late April, state health center staff have administered more than 6,800 MMR doses at 241 pop-up clinics, and providers statewide gave more than 56,000 doses in September and over 61,000 in October, climbing well above the typical monthly average of about 25,000. The department is also recommending an early dose for infants 6 to 11 months of age in counties with
Jefferson County, PA · 2d
