The state Department of Health is reporting two measles-associated deaths in Pennsylvania.
Both individuals were unvaccinated residents of Lancaster County.
The identity of the individuals who died and their families are not being released.
These are the first measles deaths in the Commonwealth in 35 years. In a release, Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen said since measles was largely eliminated for decades, some people don’t fully understand its potential severity.
“My deepest sympathies are with the loved ones who are facing this unimaginable loss,” said Dr. Bogen. “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. As a physician, I want to make sure that people understand that the MMR vaccine is safe and provides the best protection we have against measles.”
Bogen also endorsed the MMR vaccine as safe, saying it provides 97 percent lifetime protection.
Measles is a highly contagious virus that can cause serious short and long-term complications including pneumonia and swelling of the brain.
20 percent of those who get measles are hospitalized.
Measles deaths occur if three per 1,000 patients.
Anyone who believes they have been exposed to measles should contact their doctor or can call 1-877-PA-HEALTH.
The first positive case of measles in Allegheny County was confirmed last week.
The victims are two unvaccinated people in Lancaster
The victims are two unvaccinated people in Lancaster
