Pennsylvania records fifth measles-associated death as cases reach 943
The state says an unvaccinated Lancaster County resident who tested positive for measles has died. At least 176 people have been hospitalised in the outbreak.
Pennsylvania has reported its fifth measles-associated death this year, as confirmed cases in the state reached 943 across 39 counties. The Pennsylvania Department of Health said the person, an unvaccinated Lancaster County resident who tested positive for measles, died on Wednesday. The death was reported to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The state recorded 40 new cases since 28 September, and at least 176 people have been hospitalised. The latest death is the third measles-associated death reported in Lancaster County this year.
Pennsylvania’s classification covers a death within 30 days of measles symptoms unless an unrelated event caused it. The CDC reported two measles-related deaths in its national tally on Tuesday but did not identify where they occurred, leaving unclear how the national and state figures relate.
The death count has fuelled a dispute between Governor Josh Shapiro and US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr over how measles deaths are classified. Kennedy questioned the state’s August reports, while infectious disease experts cited by Al Jazeera said tracking measles-associated deaths is a longstanding approach used by the World Health Organization and the CDC.
Pennsylvania said more than 53,000 MMR vaccine doses were administered statewide in September, more than twice the typical monthly total. Earlier this month, the state requested CDC epidemiological support through an Epi-Aid investigation as cases continued to spread.
