(The Center Square) \u2013\u00a0A fifth measles-related death in Pennsylvania reported by the state is unconfirmed by local investigators amid a worsening outbreak that spans 39 counties.<\/p>\n
State officials said in a release on Wednesday that the victim lived in Lancaster County, where two additional deaths have been reported since Aug. 26. County Coroner Stephen Diamantoni told The Center Square on Thursday that his office has not confirmed the case.<\/p>\n
Some 943 cases of measles have been reported in Pennsylvania this year, marking the \u201cworst outbreak in the nation,\u201d according to Gov. Josh Shapiro. The deaths are the first the commonwealth has recorded in 35 years.<\/p>\n
The state said that it will rely on the epidemiological case definition for a measles-associated death<\/a>, which requires a laboratory confirmation of the virus; or living or working in a geographically defined area where community transmission is occurring, as determined by public health authorities; or domestic or international travel, transit, or residence in a geographic area where community transmission is occurring.<\/p>\n Last month, two others died in Jefferson and Mifflin counties, from measles-related complications.<\/p>\n The first two cases reported were diagnosed in infants in Lancaster County in August. That figure is disputed among local officials there, including the county coroner and forensic pathologist. They say a ruptured spleen suffered shortly after childbirth caused one of the newborn\u2019s deaths.<\/p>\n The second death, however, was confirmed to be of a 6-week-old infant<\/a> diagnosed with Amish fatal microcephaly, a rare genetic condition.<\/p>\n