A 40-year-old woman in Pennsylvania who reportedly died from complications believed to be caused by measles on Saturday morning had ongoing lung problems, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The Jefferson County coroner's office stated that the woman passed away at her home before 8 a.m. and required continuous oxygen.
Vaccination Status and Measles Complications
The woman was unvaccinated against measles. State health officials are conducting tests to confirm her measles infection, with results expected within the next day. Symptoms of measles include fever and distinctive rashes, and this woman lived in a household where others were also suffering from these symptoms. She had also had direct contact with a family member living in another home who had tested positive for measles.
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Increase in Cases and Risks from Measles
This incident could mark the third death in Pennsylvania amid a growing outbreak of this virus. Two infants also lost their lives last month due to complications from measles. One of the infants died at birth after the mother had measles and gave birth a month early. As of Monday, 693 measles cases had been confirmed in the state, with 99 of those reported just last week. This situation is a stark example of the serious risks posed by measles for individuals with underlying health issues. Measles can attack multiple organs, including the lungs and heart, and in very rare cases, the infection can lead to a dangerous brain condition known as subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), which is usually fatal.
This news comes as political tensions continue between Pennsylvania health officials and federal authorities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have yet to confirm measles-related deaths in the state. A spokesperson for the state health department informed reporters that the department notified the CDC on Monday morning about the investigation into the death in Jefferson County.
CDC Director Dr. Erica Schwartz stated in a statement that unlike other states experiencing measles outbreaks, Pennsylvania has not requested CDC assistance for its ongoing measles outbreak. A spokesperson for the Pennsylvania health department stated that the department has a "strong working relationship with CDC professionals" and will continue to assess any additional support from the CDC.
The United States is experiencing the largest measles outbreak since 1991, with 3,294 confirmed cases this year. In addition to those who have died in Pennsylvania, three others have died in 2025 due to measles-related complications. One of these individuals was an adult in New Mexico and two young girls in Texas who died in a widespread outbreak that ultimately affected at least 762 people.
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