Pennsylvania reports fifth measles death amid national surge

Pennsylvania health officials announced Wednesday a fifth measles-associated death in the state, coinciding with the U.S. experiencing its most severe year for the disease since 1991.

The unidentified individual was a resident of Lancaster County and was unvaccinated, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The state has reported 943 measles illnesses across 39 counties this year, marking its deadliest measles outbreak in 35 years.

The state's previous four measles-associated deaths included an 18-year-old from Mifflin County, a 40-year-old woman from Jefferson County, and two infants from Lancaster County. The health department confirmed that none of these individuals were vaccinated. The infants were too young to receive vaccinations based on current recommendations.

Nationally, the U.S. has recorded eight measles-associated deaths in the past two years, surpassing the total from the previous three decades combined. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that measles cases are surging, with vaccination rates falling below the 95% coverage necessary to prevent outbreaks.

In November, international health officials are scheduled to convene to determine if the U.S. and Mexico have lost their measles-eliminated status. The decline in vaccination rates has been attributed to various factors, including parental waivers, challenges in healthcare access, and the spread of misinformation. Concerns have also been raised about past federal administrations questioning vaccine safety and defunding local vaccination initiatives.

The U.S. had successfully eliminated the domestic spread of measles in 2000, but declining vaccination coverage has allowed the virus to re-emerge and spread.