Pennsylvania Reports Third Measles-Associated Death This Year

Health16 sourcesSep 14, 2026

BalancedFactual rigor 54/100

The Story

A 40-year-old woman has died from complications associated with measles in Pennsylvania, marking the state's third death involving the virus this year.

The Jefferson County Coroner's Office confirmed the death occurred on Saturday. The woman was unvaccinated and had been exposed to someone with measles, according to preliminary findings. She had underlying chronic medical conditions, including COPD, and required supplemental oxygen, making her vulnerable to complications. The death certificate listed respiratory failure due to suspected measles as the immediate cause.

Pennsylvania has reported at least 676 confirmed measles cases across 37 counties, with 124 hospitalizations. The state's two previous measles-associated deaths involved infants in August. One infant's death was attributed to measles, while the other was a newborn who died from a ruptured spleen, with measles listed as a condition. The first dose of the measles vaccine is typically given around one year of age, meaning neither infant was old enough to be vaccinated.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated it was not notified by Pennsylvania officials of the recent death and that the state has not requested CDC assistance, despite repeated offers. The CDC noted that other states, including Texas and South Carolina, have requested CDC Epi-Aids to manage their measles outbreaks. Pennsylvania's Governor Josh Shapiro has previously criticized HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. regarding the state's measles-associated deaths.

What they agree on

Pennsylvania has reported a third death associated with measles this year.
The most recent death involved a 40-year-old woman.
The two previous deaths involved infants.
Pennsylvania has confirmed at least 676 measles cases across 37 counties.
The Jefferson County Coroner Greg Furlong confirmed the most recent death.

Where they split

Newsweek reports that the CDC stated it was not notified by Pennsylvania officials of the death and that Pennsylvania has not requested a CDC Epi-Aid, while other outlets focus on the state's reporting of the death.
Fierce Healthcare notes controversy and doubts surrounding the Pennsylvania Department of Health's disclosure of measles-associated deaths and a conflict with RFK Jr.
Ars Technica provides details from a preliminary death certificate obtained by The New York Times, indicating the woman had COPD and required supplemental oxygen, information not universally reported.
Some outlets, like Newsweek and Ars Technica, mention the infant who died from a ruptured spleen, with measles not contributing to the rupture but listed as a condition, while others focus solely on the third death.