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PA's 6th Measles Death: A Young Mother
5 Nov
Summary
- An unvaccinated 21-year-old woman died from measles complications.
- Pennsylvania has recorded 1,467 measles cases this year.
- Measles in pregnancy significantly raises maternal and infant risks.
A 21-year-old unvaccinated woman has become Pennsylvania's sixth measles-associated death this year. The Jefferson County resident, who had recently given birth at home, died on September 30 near Pittsburgh due to organ failure, postpartum hemorrhage, and liver failure, with suspected measles listed as a cause.
Pennsylvania is currently grappling with the nation's largest measles outbreak, reporting 1,467 cases across 45 counties as of Wednesday. This surge contributes to a national total of 4,852 cases reported by the CDC as of October 29, marking the highest number in 35 years.
Health officials are urging vaccination, especially for women planning pregnancy, as measles can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, hospitalization, and death. The virus also increases risks of miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, and congenital measles in newborns.
While the MMR vaccine cannot be administered during pregnancy, women should get vaccinated before conception and wait 28 days before trying to conceive. Exposed, non-immune pregnant women should receive immune globulin within six days, and new mothers and household members should get vaccinated postpartum.
