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Two people in Lancaster County have died from measles-associated complications, Pennsylvania health leaders announced Tuesday
They are the first fatal cases linked to the highly infectious viral disease seen in the commonwealth in 35 years, officials said
Both people were unvaccinated, according to health experts. State Department of Health officials said they will not release information about their ages or identities to “protect the privacy of the individuals and their families.”
The two deaths come at a time when Lancaster County remains a hot spot for an ongoing measles outbreak. Since April, the county has recorded 177 measles infections
There have been393 total cases across 29 counties so far this year, according to state data
“My deepest sympathies are with the loved ones who are facing this unimaginable loss,” Dr. Debra Bogen, Secretary of Health, said in a statement. “Because measles was largely eliminated in the Commonwealth for more than three decades, people are not familiar with this disease and don’t fully understand the potential severity of the illness. We want to ensure every Pennsylvanian has the information they need to protect themselves, their loved ones and their communities.”
Measles symptoms, complications and vaccine protection
Measles is one of the most infectious viral diseases. It spreads when someone who is infected coughs, sneezes or breathes. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours, creating an exposure risk for people passing through
Early signs of infection can include cough, runny nose, red, watery eyes and a fever. A skin rash, the hallmark of measles, appears on the head and other parts of the body aboutthree to five days after first signs of illness, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics
Children and adults with measles may also have diarrhea or ear infections. While most people survive the disease, infection can lead to complications like pneumonia, encephalitis or brain swelling, deafness and intellectual disability and,in rare cases, death
The combination measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, or MMR, “is safe and provides the best protection we have against measles,” Bogen said
Two doses of the vaccine are about 97% effective against the virus. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians recommend babies get their first dose after 12 months old and their second between 4 and 6 years old
Families may be able to get their children vaccinated earlier if they plan to travel to areas with known measles outbreaks or internationally
Adults can also get a measles shot if they’ve never been immunized or are unsure of their vaccination status
Declining immunization rates and Pennsylvania efforts to boost MMR shots
More adults and children in Pennsylvania, and across the country, are vulnerable to measles infections due todeclining vaccination rates. As a result, the number of infections and outbreakshas climbed
State and local health leaders are focusing on increasing immunization rates in communities and in schools where rates have dropped below the 95% required for strong herd immunity, or when vulnerable people are still protected because they are surrounded by others who are vaccinated
Pennsylvania residents who suspect that they’ve been exposed to measles and are experiencing symptoms should contact their local health care provider or call the state Department of Health hotline at 877-724-3258
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