Another measles-related death reported in Pennsylvania as outbreak grows

The Pennsylvania Department of Health has reported 676 measles cases across the state, with an additional measles-related death reported on Sunday. The victim was a 40-year-old unvaccinated woman from Jefferson County, who passed away on Saturday, September 12, 2026, due to complications related to measles. The Jefferson County Coroner's Office confirmed the death but declined to release any further identifying details out of respect for the deceased and her family.

Coroner Greg Furlong emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that the loss is deeply mourned and serves as a grim reminder of the potential severity of measles.

The department is currently investigating the death, as reported by the Jefferson County Coroner. As of Friday, 124 of the 676 cases have resulted in hospitalizations, with nearly all patients being unvaccinated against the virus. Pennsylvania officials have disputed the number of measles-associated deaths, with Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claiming the CDC had not reported any measles deaths in 2026.

However, the CDC's Director, Dr. Erica Schwartz, stated that they had not received notification of the most recent death from Pennsylvania officials.

Despite multiple requests for assistance, Pennsylvania has not sought a CDC Epi-Aid, which would provide epidemiologists and on-the-ground support to manage the outbreak. Dr. Debra Bogen, Pennsylvania's top health official, had previously expressed her department's intention to work closely with the CDC in late August.