Fifth measles-associated death reported in Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Department of Health has confirmed a fifth measles-associated death as the state grapples with an ongoing outbreak projected to be among the largest in decades, which has ignited political tensions, reports BritPanorama.
The state health department indicated that the deceased individual was unvaccinated and resided in Lancaster County, which has accounted for nearly 40% of the state’s measles cases.
As of Wednesday, Pennsylvania has documented a total of 943 measles cases since the outbreak commenced in April, with at least 176 hospitalizations. Notably, all but four cases involved individuals who were not fully vaccinated.
The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recognized for its effectiveness, with a single dose providing 93% immunity against measles, while a second dose increases this to 97%. Research corroborates the vaccine’s safety, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
The Pennsylvania health department stated it “will not release any additional details that could personally identify” the deceased. It contends the death adheres to the measles-associated death definition and has been reported to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Four prior measles-associated deaths have been reported, involving an unvaccinated teenager from Mifflin County, a 40-year-old woman in Jefferson County, and two infants from Lancaster County.
The recent fatalities have incited a dispute regarding the reporting of measles deaths. The CDC’s dashboard currently lists only two deaths, although it acknowledges that “this number is subject to change” as new information comes to light.
Earlier this month, the Pennsylvania health department communicated its request for assistance from the CDC’s Epi-Aid program. However, Dr. Debra Bogen, department secretary, suggested that this request could be withdrawn if the CDC failed to provide transparent and accurate communication regarding measles-associated deaths.
Nonetheless, the US Department of Health and Human Services clarified that the CDC has yet to receive a formal request for Epi-Aid from Pennsylvania.
“If requested, CDC stands ready to deploy epidemiologists to support the state’s identified needs,” stated HHS press secretary Emily Hilliard. Both Secretary Kennedy and CDC Director Dr. Erica Schwartz continue to advocate for the MMR vaccine as the primary means of preventing measles infection.
Measles deaths of this magnitude have not been recorded in the USA for decades; the last instance of more than four measles-related deaths in a single year occurred in 1991. In contrast, last year saw three measles-related fatalities, with cases reported in Texas and New Mexico.
Dr. Stephen Diamantoni, the Lancaster County coroner, noted that the latest death has not been reported to his office, suggesting a breakdown in communication regarding measles deaths. “Any death caused by measles needs to be reported to the coroner’s office,” he stated.
Concerns are mounting that the outbreak could exacerbate as seasonal changes approach. “Measles and many respiratory illnesses typically worsen during the fall and winter months,” Diamantoni cautioned.
As per the CDC, nearly 3,700 measles cases were documented nationwide by the end of October, marking the highest number since 1991. This surge continues an alarming trend, surpassing the previous year’s numbers.
The likelihood of mortality from measles is estimated at one to three individuals per 1,000 cases, indicating that the current outbreak in Pennsylvania may be significantly underreported.
