(NewsNation) — A 40-year-old Pennsylvania woman has died from complications related to measles, marking the state’s third measles-associated death this year.
The Jefferson County woman died Saturday, according to County Coroner Greg Furlong.
“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 posted to Facebook. “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.”
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Furlong said no additional identifying information about the woman will be released. She is the first adult in Pennsylvania to die from measles-related complications this year. The other two deaths involved infants, according to Lancaster County’s coroner, as reported by The Associated Press.
Map of the confirmed measles cases across the United States as of Sept. 10, 2026. (Credit: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
As of Friday, the Pennsylvania Department of Health reported at least 676 confirmed measles cases across 37 counties.
The United States is experiencing its largest measles outbreak in 35 years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports more than 3,000 confirmed cases nationwide.
What is measles?
Measles is one of the most contagious viruses in the world. The airborne disease spreads easily when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes.
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Symptoms typically begin seven to 14 days after exposure and include a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red or watery eyes. Two to three days after symptoms begin, small white spots may appear inside the mouth. A rash usually develops several days later. Measles can also lead to complications such as ear infections and diarrhea.
Measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, with annual case counts generally ranging from a few dozen to a few hundred because of widespread vaccination.
However, vaccine hesitancy has contributed to a resurgence in cases in recent years. By 2019, the U.S. recorded roughly 1,300 measles cases, and outbreaks have continued to grow.
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