Third measles death in Pennsylvania involves 40-year-old woman

By Sandra Rhodes (/journals/sandra-rhodes)

A woman from rural Pennsylvania has died from complications related to measles.

The 40-year-old’s death marks the state’s third measles-associated death this year.

The woman, from Jefferson County, died Saturday, according to County Coroner Greg Furlong.

“This is a heartbreaking loss for the family and an unfortunate reminder that measles can be a serious and potentially life-threatening disease,” Furlong said in a statement posted to Facebook. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time. We ask that the public and media respect their privacy as they mourn the loss of their loved one.”

The woman is the first adult in Pennsylvania to die from measles-related complications this year. The other two deaths involved infants, according to Lancaster County’s coroner, The Associated Press reported.

As of Friday, the Pennsylvania Department of Health reported at least 676 confirmed measles cases across 37 counties.

The United States is experiencing its largest measles outbreak in 35 years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports more than 3,000 confirmed cases nationwide.