Newborn One of 2 Measles-Associated Deaths in Pennsylvania
State officials said 424 measles cases and 73 hospitalizations have been confirmed this year as a coroner disputes the newborn death label.
- On Wednesday, Pennsylvania health officials confirmed two measles-associated deaths in Lancaster County, the state's first such fatalities in at least 35 years, including one newborn whose age the department initially withheld.
- Lancaster County Coroner Stephen Diamantoni disputes the classification, stating the newborn died from a ruptured spleen shortly after birth and his office has recorded zero measles deaths based on forensic autopsy results.
- Pennsylvania has identified 424 measles cases this year, including more than 30 over the past week. Nationwide, the CDC reports nearly 2,800 cases as of August 20, the highest annual total since 1991.
- Governor Josh Shapiro characterized the fatalities as 'the consequences of a lack of immunization.' Health Secretary Debra Bogen noted that 93 percent of measles patients this year were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status.
- Health officials recommend an early measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine dose for infants aged 6 to 11 months in counties with active transmission. Two doses provide 97 percent protection against measles.
16 Articles
16 Articles
2 ‘Measles-Associated’ Deaths in Pennsylvania Spark Media Blitz — But Officials Won’t Release Details
by Brenda Baletti, Ph.D., Childrens Health Defense: Pennsylvania health officials announced two “measles-associated” deaths in unvaccinated individuals in Lancaster County, setting off a cascade of media reports blaming declining vaccination rates. Officials declined to release details on age, health status, or cause of death — prompting the county’s own health commissioner to publicly question the […]
Pennsylvania measles deaths prompt concerns for NJ health leaders
New Jersey Health Commissioner Dr. Raynard Washington is urging people to stay up to date on immunizations in the wake of two measles-related deaths of unvaccinated individuals in Pennsylvania, the nation's first such fatalities this year. (Photo by Illustration Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)New Jersey’s health commissioner is urging residents to ensure they are immunized against measles after Pennsylvania announced earlier this week that two unv…
Pennsylvania measles deaths: Lancaster County official says infant ‘did not die of measles’ amid RFK Jr-Josh Shapiro row
Pennsylvania officials dispute if an infant's death was measles-related, escalating a feud between Lancaster County officials, Gov. Josh Shapiro and RFK Jr.
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