Pennsylvania reports fifth ‘measles-associated’ death

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(The Center Square) – A fifth measles-related death in Pennsylvania reported by the state has not been independently confirmed by local investigators amid a worsening outbreak that spans 39 counties.

State officials said in a release on Wednesday that the victim lived in Lancaster County, where two additional deaths have been reported since Aug. 26. County Coroner Stephen Diamantoni told The Center Square on Thursday that his office has not received any direct report of the case.

Neil Ruhland, a spokesman for the Department of Health, said that because not all deaths are referred to local coroners - such as those recorded in hospitals - Diamantoni's office would not have necessarily known about the case ahead of time. Nor is it required to.

Some 943 cases of measles have been reported in Pennsylvania this year, marking the “worst outbreak in the nation,” according to Gov. Josh Shapiro. The deaths are the first the commonwealth has recorded in 35 years.

The state said that it will rely on the epidemiological case definition for a measles-associated death, which requires a laboratory confirmation of the virus; or living or working in a geographically defined area where community transmission is occurring, as determined by public health authorities; or domestic or international travel, transit, or residence in a geographic area where community transmission is occurring.

Last month, two others died in Jefferson and Mifflin counties, from measles-related complications.

The first two cases reported were diagnosed in infants in Lancaster County in August. That figure is disputed among local officials there, including the county coroner and forensic pathologist. They say a ruptured spleen suffered shortly after childbirth caused one of the newborn’s deaths.

The second death, however, was confirmed to be of a 6-week-old infant diagnosed with Amish fatal microcephaly, a rare genetic condition.

The MMR vaccine – which stands for measles, mumps and rubella – isn’t administered until infants are at least 1-year-old. An early dose, between 6 and 11 months, is only recommended when active cases exist. A second dose is given before starting elementary school.

Four cases have been diagnosed in vaccinated individuals, as well, according to the state.