The Pennsylvania Department of Health is confirming that a seventh person has died from measles.
Officials say the death is of an unvaccinated resident of Montour County, which is near State College. No further information was provided.
The department has confirmed 1,542 measles cases across 46 counties this year (as of Nov. 13), including 37 new cases this week. Of these cases, five vaccinated individuals have contracted measles.
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Currently, the department is still investigating whether a death in October in Franklin County was from measles-associated causes.
Measles can cause severe health complications, including pneumonia and brain swelling, with nearly 20% of infected individuals requiring hospitalization.
State health officials emphasized that receiving two doses of the MMR vaccine provides 97% lifetime protection against the virus.
Anyone experiencing symptoms or suspecting a measles exposure should contact a health care provider or call the Department of Health toll-free hotline at 877-PA-HEALTH (877-724-3258).
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