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Pennsylvania Reports Third Fatal Measles Case Amid Statewide Outbreak
Just the facts
Pennsylvania state health officials have recorded nearly 700 measles cases across 37 counties, with heavy concentrations in Lancaster and Mifflin counties. The state's two previous outbreak fatalities involved unvaccinated infants, one who suffered a ruptured spleen and another with a rare genetic disorder known as Amish lethal microcephaly. United States Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. questioned whether the two infant deaths were directly attributable to measles, citing local coroner statements regarding underlying conditions. Public health authorities attribute the multi-county surge to declining kindergarten vaccination rates for the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine.
Why this is news
Jefferson County Chief Deputy Coroner Jason Stiver announced the death of a 40-year-old woman associated with Pennsylvania's ongoing measles outbreak. The death marks the third measles-related fatality recorded in the state during the current outbreak.
Sources
This summary is compiled strictly from the original reporting below.