A 39-year-old woman died after being treated for measles. It was not confirmed whether she had been vaccinated. While she reportedly had several underlying health conditions, her death met the criteria to be considered a measles-associated death.
Pennsylvania health officials on Wednesday reported the state’s sixth measles-associated death this year, as an outbreak that has sickened more than 1,000 people prompts fresh warnings for pregnant women.
The sixth death came nearly six weeks after the state reported its first measles-related death in more than 35 years.
Outbreak Spreads Across 42 Countries
The outbreak began in April. By June 22, the Department of Health had confirmed 61 cases across Berks, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon and York counties. By the time the first deaths were announced, the count had reached 393 cases across 28 counties.
In its latest statewide update, the department reportedly said 1,286 cases had been confirmed across 42 counties, with 247 hospitalizations.
Only four cases, less than 1 percent, were among vaccinated people. Pennsylvania is driving the nation’s worst measles outbreak in decades, as U.S. cases top 4,000.
Know About Risks For Pregnant Women
The state has focused its latest warnings on pregnancy. The Health Department has reported 66 measles cases in pregnant women since April, along with the state’s first congenital measles cases in decades. Doctors have reported at least six babies born with the virus.
A department advisory said that one-third of babies born to mothers with measles contract congenital measles.
A spokesperson said state law prohibits sharing the outcomes of infected women’s pregnancies and officials have not released the exact number of congenital cases.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said measles can cause pneumonia, brain damage, blindness and deafness. In pregnant women, it can also lead to premature birth or low birth weight.
How Deaths Are Counted
According to a report, the department issued a Health Alert Network notice with clinical guidance for providers treating pregnant women with measles and newborns with possible measles.
Non-immune pregnant women and babies who are exposed can be given immunoglobulin within six days of exposure. Providers with suspected cases must immediately report them to their local health department or the state at 877-724-3258.
Getting vaccinated before becoming pregnant is the best way to prevent measles and newborn measles, the department reportedly said. State officials say women can receive the vaccine after delivery and that it is safe for breastfeeding mothers.
Two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles, according to the CDC. The department had administered more than 4,100 MMR vaccinations at 91 pop-up clinics in affected areas when the count stood at 393 cases.
