An 18-year-old Mifflin County resident died Tuesday after being exposed to measles, according to Mifflin County Coroner Andrea Alcalde.
The coroner said the resident developed acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, a rare and severe neurological complication. The Pennsylvania Department of Health classified the death as measles-associated, according to Gov. Josh Shapiro.
A separate death involving a 40-year-old woman in Jefferson County remains under state review. Jefferson County officials said the woman died Saturday from complications of the virus.
Two infant deaths were also reported in Lancaster County last month. Local officials have disputed whether measles caused one of those deaths, citing a ruptured spleen following childbirth. The other involved a 6-week-old infant who had been diagnosed with Amish fatal microcephaly, a rare genetic condition.
Pennsylvania has recorded 696 measles cases across 38 of the state’s 67 counties since the beginning of the year, according to Shapiro. Four cases have involved vaccinated individuals.
The measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is normally first administered at 12 months of age. An early dose may be recommended for infants between 6 and 11 months when active cases are present. A second dose is administered before elementary school.
The state uses an epidemiological case definition to classify measles-associated deaths. Criteria can include laboratory confirmation or a connection to an area experiencing community transmission.
