From Ars Technica · · 1m 30s
A third measles death, all in Pennsylvania
A 40-year-old woman on oxygen died after a measles exposure, the third such death in a state that went 35 years without one.
In brief
A 40-year-old woman on oxygen died after a measles exposure, the third such death in a state that went 35 years without one. Measles is not just a childhood illness. For adults with damaged lungs or babies too young to be vaccinated, an exposure can be fatal. Originally reported by Ars Technica.
A death in Jefferson County
A 40-year-old Pennsylvania woman died of measles complications, her county coroner announced on September 12. She was unvaccinated.
Three deaths, one state
It is the third measles-linked death in the US this year, and all three were in Pennsylvania. Before this outbreak, the state had gone 35 years without one.
The outbreak behind it
Pennsylvania has logged more than 670 cases and 124 hospitalizations across 37 counties.
Not a childhood illness
The chief deputy coroner pushed back on the idea that measles is only a kids' disease. Severe complications can hit at any age.
“Many people associate measles with a childhood illness, but it can lead to severe complications in individuals of any age”
Why her lungs gave out
A preliminary death certificate showed COPD and other chronic conditions, with supplemental oxygen around the clock. Immediate cause: respiratory failure due to suspected measles.
Two babies died first
A 6-week-old girl with a genetic condition and a newborn boy both died in Lancaster County. The newborn's mother was severely ill with measles when she gave birth.
The federal count says zero
The CDC, under Robert F. Kennedy Jr., excludes both infant deaths, citing a reporting rule that did not exist before Pennsylvania. Kennedy accused Governor Shapiro of fabricating them.
At a glance
Measles is not just a childhood illness. For adults with damaged lungs or babies too young to be vaccinated, an exposure can be fatal.
