Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak has grown to more than 500 confirmed cases, but questions remain about two deaths state officials have classified as associated with the disease.
As of Wednesday, Pennsylvania had recorded 530 measles cases this year across 36 counties. Lancaster County remains the center of the outbreak with 242 cases, followed by Chester County with 52.
For Adams County residents, the outbreak has now reached closer to home. The Pennsylvania Department of Health’s latest figures report the first confirmed measles case in Adams County this year. Residents can find current measles information and guidance through the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
State officials last week reported two measles-associated deaths involving unvaccinated Lancaster County residents. However, the designation does not necessarily mean measles was determined to be the immediate cause of death. Pennsylvania defines a measles-associated death as one in which evidence of measles is present, even when a coroner determines another condition caused the death.
More is known about one of the deaths than the other.
Lancaster County Coroner Stephen Diamantoni investigated the death of a newborn who tested positive for a measles infection acquired before birth. The infant died from a lacerated spleen following trauma to the torso, according to the coroner, who has said he does not believe measles contributed to the death.
However, measles was listed on the death certificate as a significant condition contributing to the death but not causing the underlying fatal condition. Some medical experts have noted that measles can make the spleen more fragile, potentially increasing the risk of rupture.
The state has released no details about the second measles-associated death, citing patient privacy laws.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not included the two Pennsylvania deaths in its measles death count, saying available information has not established whether measles caused or contributed to them. Pennsylvania health officials maintain that both individuals tested positive and that required epidemiological information has been provided to the CDC.
What is clear is that Pennsylvania is experiencing a significant measles outbreak.
Measles spreads through the air and can remain there for up to two hours after an infected person leaves. Two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing the disease.
Notably, none of Pennsylvania’s measles patients this year had been fully vaccinated.
Source: PA Dept of Health, Phila Inquirer