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18-year-old dies in Pennsylvania's 4th measles-associated death
PBS • • general
Key Points:
- Pennsylvania has reported its fourth measles-associated death this year, involving an 18-year-old from Mifflin County who died from a rare neurological complication of measles.
- None of the four individuals who died were vaccinated; the two infants who died were too young to receive the vaccine according to current guidelines.
- The state is experiencing its worst measles outbreak in over 35 years, with nearly 700 cases reported across 38 counties, including about 100 cases in the past week.
- Nationwide, the U.S. is facing its worst measles year since 1991, with seven measles-related deaths in the last two years, surpassing totals from the previous three decades combined.
- Declining vaccination rates below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity, fueled by vaccine misinformation and reduced public health funding, have contributed to the resurgence, prompting concerns that the U.S. and Mexico may lose their measles-free status at an upcoming international health meeting.
