Pennsylvania reports 3rd measles death this year amid outbreak
The fatality comes as the state’s outbreak grows to 676 confirmed cases.
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A 40-year-old woman has died from measles complications in Pennsylvania, marking the state’s third measles-related death this year.
Coroner Greg Furlong confirmed the death of the Jefferson County resident, who died on Saturday, Sept. 12. The identity of the woman has not been released to respect the family’s privacy.
"This is a heartbreaking loss for the family and an unfortunate reminder that measles can be a serious and potentially life-threatening disease," Furlong said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.”
Paramyxovirus measles virus. (Image credit: Centers for Disease Control (CDC) / Dr Erskine Palmer. (Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)
This case marks the first measles-related death in the county, Furlong noted. Last month, Pennsylvania reported two measles-related deaths, which marked the first U.S deaths from the virus in 2026 and the first in the state in 35 years.
Jefferson County Chief Deputy Coroner and Public Relations Officer Jason Stiver explained the importance of awareness of the disease, since it can lead to health complications in people of any age.
"While cases of severe illness remain uncommon, this tragedy highlights that measles should not be taken lightly,” Stiver said in a statement. “Public health measures, early recognition of symptoms and consultation with healthcare providers are important tools in protecting our community."
County officials added that the Coroner’s Office is working with the Pennsylvania Department of Health on the case.
Vials for the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine are displayed at a clinic in Lubbock, Texas, on Feb. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Mary Conlon)
So far this year, there have been 676 measles cases in 37 counties in Pennsylvania, state health officials reported on Friday, Sept. 11. Of the confirmed cases, less than one percent were among vaccinated individuals.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported over 3,000 confirmed measles cases in the United States since the beginning of the year. A total of 95 percent of these cases were unvaccinated or had an unknown status.
Two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine are 97 percent effective at preventing measles, per the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
“People who are vaccinated and become infected with measles experience milder symptoms and are less likely to have complications or be hospitalized,” the department said in a statement. “The MMR vaccine is still the best protection against the measles virus because it builds the level of community immunity that virtually eliminated measles in the U.S. for a quarter of a century.”
Measles typically spreads when an infected person coughs, breathes or sneezes, according to health officials. Symptoms begin with a cough, fever, runny nose and watery eyes, followed by a rash on the head that spreads downward. The virus can also lead to serious health complications including brain swelling and pneumonia. Without treatment, measles can be deadly.
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