Franklin County woman dies in 6th Pennsylvania measles death

A 39-year-old Franklin County woman died Monday from measles, state health officials announced. The fatality marks the sixth measles-related death in Pennsylvania this year, according to authorities. The patient had a recent diagnosis and met the state standard for a measles-associated death.

The patient had several underlying conditions, according to the coroner’s office. Officials will not release details that could identify her. The federal government has not established that same death total.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has declared two deaths due to measles nationwide. Federal officials are working with the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists on a standardized definition.

“This number is subject to change; CDC will update its reporting as additional information becomes available and relevant reviews are completed,” the agency stated on its tracking page.

National cases have increased in recent years, according to the CDC. The federal agency recorded 59 cases in 2023 and 285 in 2024. Totals rose to 2,289 in 2025 and 4,080 in 2026.

Pennsylvania’s outbreak began in April in an area west of Philadelphia, health officials said. The state has recorded 1,004 cases, including 198 hospitalizations and five earlier deaths. Health experts attribute such outbreaks to low vaccination rates.

The nation eliminated domestic measles spread in 2000 through high vaccination rates. Coverage rates have dropped below the 95 percent level needed to prevent outbreaks. Measles remains highly contagious, the CDC said.

The virus can live for two hours in an airspace, according to the CDC. Droplets spread through coughing and sneezing. People can catch the virus by breathing contaminated air or touching infected surfaces.

Health officials advise checking vaccination status immediately following a suspected exposure. The measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine requires two doses. It is about 97 percent effective, according to health officials.

A county coroner investigates unexpected deaths to determine the official cause. Local public health agencies monitor communicable diseases to track community exposures. State departments work with federal partners to review regional health data.

Franklin County residents who suspect an exposure should monitor for symptoms and consult medical providers.