# 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.
- Title: A third measles death, all in Pennsylvania · Ars Technica
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: measles, public health, vaccines, pennsylvania, outbreak, technology, science, third, death, all, Ars Technica
- Source: Ars Technica — https://arstechnica.com/health/2026/09/unvaccinated-pennsylvania-woman-died-of-measles-complications-coroner-says
- Published: 2026-09-13T21:56:52+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: measles, public health, vaccines, pennsylvania, outbreak, technology, science
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Measles is not just a childhood illness. For adults with damaged lungs or babies too young to be vaccinated, an exposure can be fatal.