Pennsylvania Reports 6th Measles-Linked Death

Pennsylvania health officials confirmed Wednesday that a sixth individual has died from measles, marking the sixth fatality in the U.S. this year.

The deceased was unvaccinated and resided in Jefferson County, according to the officials.

The death in Pennsylvania follows New York state's first known measles-related fatality in over 30 years, reported earlier this week.

Health officials noted that a child in Lewis County died amid the ongoing outbreak, contributing to the national death toll.

Nationally, 96% of measles cases this year have occurred among individuals who are unvaccinated or have unknown vaccination status, according to the CDC.

The CDC describes early measles symptoms as cough, runny nose, fever up to 104°F, and red, watery eyes.

Two to three days after symptoms begin, Koplik spots may appear inside the mouth, and a rash may develop three to five days later, often starting on the face and spreading downward.

The CDC reports over 4,800 measles cases in the U.S. this year, the highest number since 1991, with infections reported in nearly every state.

The CDC recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine, with the first at 12 to 15 months and the second between 4 and 6 years of age.

An early third dose of the MMR vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months in high-risk outbreak areas.