The recent measles outbreak in Pennsylvania has resulted in a third reported death. An unvaccinated woman, aged 40, died on Saturday due to complications likely caused by measles, as stated by Jefferson County Coroner, Greg Furlong.

This tragic event occurs amidst a rapidly growing outbreak that has affected over 670 individuals and led to the hospitalization of 124. The Pennsylvania Department of Health previously reported two deaths related to this outbreak, sparking controversy over whether the deaths were directly due to measles or simply coincided with the infection.

A preliminary death certificate indicates that respiratory failure due to suspected measles was the immediate cause of death.

The coroner noted that test results confirming the presence of measles are pending. Meanwhile, the woman displayed several symptoms characteristic of the virus, including the distinctive rash that manifests as flat red spots appearing first on the face and then spreading downwards.

The woman had multiple chronic health issues that increased her susceptibility to severe measles complications. She was afflicted with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (C.O.P.D.) and relied on constant supplemental oxygen.

The state health department has not yet officially added this death to its tally but is collaborating closely with the coroner.

While measles is often mild, around one in five unvaccinated individuals in the U.S. who catch the virus require hospitalization. These hospitalizations are typically due to complications such as pneumonia, severe dehydration, and brain swelling. Measles poses a heightened risk to children, adults over 20, and those with compromised immune systems.

Measles-related fatalities are rare in the United States. Nonetheless, recent resurgences of the virus have led to several deaths. Last year, complications from measles resulted in the deaths of two school-aged children and one adult, marking the first such fatalities in the U.S. in a decade.

Teddy Rosenbluth reports on health news for The Times, with a focus on medical misinformation.