6th measles-related death reported in Pennsylvania

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. — A 39-year-old woman died Saturday, Oct. 10, in Chambersburg, Pa., following a past diagnosis of measles. The death meets the criteria established by the Pennsylvania Department of Health for a measles-associated fatality, marking the first such death in Franklin County in many years.

The case marks the sixth measles-related death recorded in Pennsylvania. The loss comes as the United States endures its highest annual number of measles cases and related complications since 1991.

Related coverage: Measles confirmed in local school

The woman had several underlying medical conditions, including a past diagnosis of measles for which she had received treatment, according to the coroner’s office.

The Franklin County Coroner’s Office stated that no further identifying details about the woman would be made public.

“To protect the privacy of the individual and their family, the Franklin County Coroner’s Office will not release any additional details that could personally identify them,” the coroner’s office said. “Our office is bound by laws that limit what can be shared publicly and families deserve the dignity to mourn in private.”

Officials with the coroner’s office emphasized the need for public health awareness following the investigation.

“We strongly encourage our medical community, first responders and the public to follow the precautions set forth by the PA Department of Health and Center for Disease Control,” the coroner’s office said. “Caution and vigilance are key to our success in the treatment of this disease and its after affects.”

Pennsylvania’s five previous measles-related deaths involved a resident from Lancaster County, an 18-year-old resident of Mifflin County in central Pennsylvania, a 40-year-old woman from rural Jefferson County in western Pennsylvania and two infants in Lancaster County in southeastern Pennsylvania.

Two measles cases were confirmed in Allegheny County last week.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW