Pennsylvania woman dies of measles-related complications, Jefferson County coroner reports

The Jefferson County Coroner's Office in Pennsylvania confirmed the first measles-related death in the county on Saturday. State health officials previously reported two measles-related deaths in Lancaster County.

According to Coroner Greg Furlong, a 40-year-old woman died on Saturday from complications associated with measles. 

"This is a heartbreaking loss for the family and an unfortunate reminder that measles can be a serious and potentially life-threatening disease," Furlong said in a statement. "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."

Woman was unvaccinated, coroner says 

In a phone interview Monday with CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook, Furlong said the woman was not vaccinated and had a number of underlying health conditions. 

He said she developed symptoms after close contact with a relative, a neighbor, who had a confirmed case of measles. The woman's husband also got sick but recovered. 

Furlong described her as having "textbook" symptoms, including a rash beginning after about 3-4 days, and said, "I am 110 percent that this is associated," he said. A few hours later, he confirmed that lab tests came back positive for measles.

In a statement, the deputy coroner also warned the public about the severity of measles. 

"Many people associate measles with a childhood illness, but it can lead to severe complications in individuals of any age," said Jefferson County Deputy Coroner Jason Stiver. "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 also said that preventing the spread of measles remains a public health priority in the county. 

Jefferson County is working with the Pennsylvania Department of Health. 

Pittsburgh pediatrician shares advice

As of Monday, Sept. 14, the Pennsylvania Department of Health is reporting 693 cases of measles in the state so far in 2026, including 99 in the past week.

While Lancaster County accounts for nearly half of Pennsylvania's cases this year, the Department of Health says measles cases have been reported in 38 counties. In western Pennsylvania, there have been cases in Armstrong, Indiana, Mercer and Westmoreland counties. 

Dr. Joe Aracri, the chief of pediatrics with Allegheny Health Network, said the outbreak hasn't reached Pittsburgh yet. 

"Right now, in Allegheny County, I want to reassure everybody that we are not in an outbreak," Aracri said. "There is no need to get the vaccine early."

He said more parents have been requesting an earlier dose of the measles, mumps and rubella, or MMR, vaccine for babies since they don't normally get doses until they are close to a year old. For babies, it's recommended you pay attention to where you're going and be aware of whether a county is a hotspot for the virus.

"The only way that we can prevent this from spreading is by decreasing the contacts," Aracri said. "Remember, there's no treatment for measles." 

If you suspect your child may have come in contact with or caught the virus, you're asked to call a doctor and not just show up at a hospital or office to prevent the spread. If your child has the first dose but not the second dose yet, you're still in good shape. The first dose is 93% effective.

"The second dose is not really a booster; it's just what's called confer immunity," Aracri said. "So, you are pretty well protected with that first dose." 

According to the state health department, more than 46,000 doses of the MMR vaccine were used in August. A normal month is 25,000. In Allegheny County, it's been a steady increase from June to August, but the county says some of that may be just because of back-to-school season. 

Across Pennsylvania, 93% of kindergarteners are vaccinated, with higher rates for middle school ages. Herd immunity is roughly 95%. 

In the U.S., more than 3,200 cases have been reported in 2026, the highest in the country in decades.