PA Woman Dies From Measles Complications

JEFFERSON COUNTY, PA — A 40-year-old woman in this rural county has died from measles complications, the Jefferson County Coroner's Office has confirmed. It's the third measles-associated death in Pennsylvania this year amid the growing outbreak.

The unvaccinated woman died Saturday, according to a release from the coroner's office, which said it was working with the Pennsylvania Department of Health on the case.

"This is a heartbreaking loss for the family and an unfortunate reminder that measles can be a serious and potentially life-threatening disease," Coroner Greg Furlong said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time. We ask that the public and media respect their privacy as they mourn the loss of their loved one."

Furlong did not provide any additional identifying information in the release.

The death follows two measles-associated deaths in Lancaster County last month reported by the state last month, the first connected to the virus in the state in 35 years.

Those deaths are listed on the state's measles dashboard but are not yet included in Center for Disease Control and Prevention's national count. The National Center for Health Statistics has not identified any 2026 deaths with measles as the underlying cause, and CDC and the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) are developing a standardized definition for classifying measles deaths.

As of September 10, the CDC had reported 3,294 confirmed measles cases in the United States in 2026.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health's latest update released on Friday reported 676 measles cases have been confirmed across 37 of the state's 67 counties.

There have been only four measles cases, or less than one percent, among vaccinated people.

Jefferson County Chief Deputy Coroner and Public Relations Officer Jason Stiver emphasized the importance of public awareness regarding the disease.

"Many people associate measles with a childhood illness, but it can lead to severe complications in individuals of any age," Stiver said. "Measles is highly contagious and can result in serious respiratory illness, hospitalization, and in rare cases like this, death. We encourage residents to stay informed, follow guidance from public health officials, and take appropriate steps to protect themselves and their families."

Stiver added that preventing the spread of measles remains a public health priority

."While cases of severe illness remain uncommon, this tragedy highlights that measles should not be taken lightly. Public health measures, early recognition of symptoms, and consultation with healthcare providers are important tools in protecting our community."

Jefferson County is about 90 miles northeast of Pittsburgh.