PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A sixth measles-related death has been reported in Pennsylvania.
The Franklin County Coroner’s Office said its investigation into the death of a 39-year-old woman found a past diagnosis of measles with treatment.
They noted she had several other underlying conditions as well.
The coroner's office said this is the first measles-associated death in Franklin County "in many years with a patient with a recent history of a measles diagnosis." They didn't specify exactly how long it's been.
Health officials said Pennsylvania’s current outbreak started in April, west of Philadelphia. As of Friday, Oct.9, there have been 1,136 measles cases, including 219 hospitalizations and five deaths, two of them infants, state officials said. The 39-year-old’s death brings the death total to six.
Officials said those who suffered measles-related deaths were either unvaccinated or too young to be vaccinated.
Pennsylvania is dealing with its largest measles outbreak in three decades.
On Friday, Oxford Area High School in Chester County closed because of a confirmed measles case.
