Another Pennsylvanian has died from measles-related complications, officials say

Roberta Burkhart, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Sep 13, 2026

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As the measles outbreak continues to spread across Pennsylvania, a 40-year-old Jefferson County woman died on Saturday from complications of the disease, officials said.

The woman, whose identity has not been released by the Jefferson County coroner, is the third person to die in the state this year after contracting the illness in what’s now the largest outbreak in the country.

“This is a heartbreaking loss for the family and an unfortunate reminder that measles can be a serious and potentially life-threatening disease,” said Coroner Greg Furlong in a post.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.”

The death follows a release by the state on Friday of 52 new infections, bringing the annual total to 676 as the cases continue to mount each week at a remarkable pace.

Many people associate measles with a childhood illness, but it can lead to severe complications in individuals of any age," said the county's deputy coroner and spokesman, Jason Stiver.

The fatality follows disclosures by the state Health Department of two other "measles-associated" deaths – both in Lancaster County, the epicenter of the outbreak.

The Lancaster County coroner has concluded that one of the deaths, a 6-week-old girl on Aug. 18, was caused by the measles.

The other death, of a newborn boy on Aug. 14, was from a ruptured spleen — and not the disease, according to the coroner, who said the case is still under review.

Several nationally known infectious disease experts have raised questions on social media platforms about that ruling, saying measles infections can cause the spleen to enlarge and potentially rupture.

Stiver, the deputy coroner of Jefferson County, emphasized that preventing the disease's spread is a public health priority and residents should seek information about the illness, follow guidance from their local health department and take steps to protect themselves and their family members.

"While cases of severe illness remain uncommon, this tragedy highlights that measles should not be taken lightly," Stiver said. "Public health measures, early recognition of symptoms, and consultation with healthcare providers are important tools in protecting our community.

The coroner’s office is working on the case with the state Health Department.

As measles cases continue to grow, Pennsylvania surpassed South Carolina last week with the most infections in the nation.