CDC officially confirms first Measles-related death as Pennsylvania cases continue to rise

PENNSYLVANIA (WJAC) — The CDC recently confirmed the first Measles death of the year, although Pennsylvania health officials have reported four ‘measles-associated’ deaths as cases across the commonwealth continue to rise.

Pennsylvania’s Department of Health says Measles cases across the state have increased by another 55 infections since the middle of this week.

Pennsylvania leads the nation in cases as the country faces more than 3,400 cases — reaching a three-decade high.

In our region, Jefferson County continues to see the most cases with 41 total now reported.

Statewide, Lancaster County has the most Measles infection with nearly 360 reported cases.

According to the DOH, 19%, or 173 of the 890 statewide reported cases have resulted in hospitalizations.

Health officials continue to remind residents that vaccines provide the best protection against getting sick from the highly contagious virus.