New measles deaths send U.S. fatalities to decades high
The deaths are a grim milestone in the return of a disease that the U.S. once largely considered vanquished.
Pennsylvania health officials have confirmed two more measles-related deaths, raising the state's total to four this year and pushing U.S. fatalities to a high not seen in decades. Both victims were unvaccinated, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The individuals resided in Jefferson and Mifflin Counties, respectively.
The department declined to provide further details. The deaths mark a concerning resurgence of a disease the U.S. had largely eradicated. Pennsylvania had not recorded a measles-related fatality in 35 years prior to this summer; in the past few weeks, the state has reported four such deaths as its outbreak has ballooned to nearly 700 cases.
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