Pennsylvania reports sixth measles-related death after Franklin County woman dies
A 39-year-old Franklin County woman died after contracting measles, state health officials announced Monday. The fatality marks the sixth measles-related death in Pennsylvania this year.
Officials said the patient had a recent diagnosis. She met the Pennsylvania Department of Health definition for a measles-associated death. The coroner’s office said the patient had several underlying conditions.
The coroner’s office will not release details that could identify the patient. Identity details remain private.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has declared two deaths due to measles nationwide. The agency works with the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists to create a standardized reporting definition.
“This number is subject to change; CDC will update its reporting as additional information becomes available and relevant reviews are completed,” the agency stated on its tracking page.
Measles cases have increased in recent years, according to the CDC. National case counts rose across the country:
- 59 cases in 2023
- 285 cases in 2024
- 2,289 cases in 2025
- 4,080 cases in 2026
Health officials say the state outbreak started in April, west of Philadelphia. State records show 1,004 cases and 198 hospitalizations. The outbreak previously included five deaths.
Health experts attribute outbreaks to low vaccination rates. The nation eliminated domestic spread in 2000 through high vaccination rates. Coverage has fallen below the 95 percent level needed to prevent outbreaks.
The virus lives for up to two hours in airspace, the CDC said. It spreads through air droplets from coughing and sneezing. People become infected by breathing contaminated air or touching infected surfaces.
The measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine requires two doses, health officials said. The vaccine provides about 97 percent effectiveness against the virus.
State health departments track contagious diseases to alert the public. Local coroners investigate unexpected deaths to establish causes. Federal agencies compile state reports into national health databases.
Health officials advise anyone with suspected exposure in Franklin County to check vaccination status immediately.
