A newborn was among two unvaccinated Lancaster County residents whose deaths were associated with measles, Pennsylvania health officials said, as the state’s outbreak surpassed 400 reported cases.
The deaths were Pennsylvania’s first associated with measles in 35 years and the first reported in the United States this year. The outbreak, which began in April, has spread to 29 counties. Lancaster County remains the center, with nearly 200 confirmed infections, although local health officials believe the actual total may be higher.
Questions remain about the circumstances surrounding both deaths.
Lancaster County Coroner Stephen Diamantoni determined that the newborn died from a ruptured spleen shortly after birth. The baby tested positive for measles, but the pathologist who performed the autopsy did not identify measles as the immediate cause of death.
The coroner’s office is investigating what caused the spleen to rupture and whether the baby’s mother had measles around the time of delivery. State officials have not released information about the second person who died, citing privacy laws.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health classifies a death as measles-associated when the virus is present, even when a coroner or medical examiner identifies another condition as the immediate cause. State officials said epidemiologists verified that both Lancaster County residents tested positive.
The cases have prompted a public dispute between Gov. Josh Shapiro and U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Kennedy questioned whether the deaths had been mischaracterized or fabricated and accused Pennsylvania officials of withholding information.
Shapiro and state health officials rejected those allegations. Health Secretary Debra Bogen said the department reported the deaths to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and met with federal officials to discuss the cases. The Shapiro administration said it has maintained regular contact with the CDC throughout the outbreak.
The dispute comes as vaccination rates have declined in Pennsylvania. Shapiro has accused federal officials of confusing parents about vaccine safety, while Kennedy has disputed responsibility for the decline.
Measles is highly contagious and can infect about nine out of 10 unvaccinated people who are exposed. Most patients recover, but the disease can lead to pneumonia, brain swelling and death. About one to three of every 1,000 people infected die from complications.
There is no specific cure for measles. Health experts say vaccination remains the most effective protection against infection and serious illness.
Source: Phila Inquirer