Trending
LEWISTOWN -- An unvaccinated 18-year-old Mifflin County resident died of a rare neurological complication of measles, according to county and state officials. Mifflin County now has 79 confirmed cases, the second-highest total in Pennsylvania.
The Mifflin County Coroner's Office confirmed the death Tuesday. After reviewing medical records and investigative information, Coroner Andrea L. Alcalde determined the cause of death was acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, or ADEM, a rare and severe neurological complication of measles.
Alcalde determined the manner of death was natural. Her office didn't release the resident's name and said it wouldn't provide additional information.
"Our thoughts and prayers remain with the family and all those affected by this loss," Alcalde said.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health announced the Mifflin County death Tuesday, along with another measles-associated death in Jefferson County. Both residents were unvaccinated.
The deaths raise Pennsylvania's total to four during its worst measles outbreak in more than three decades. Both earlier deaths involved Lancaster County infants who were too young to receive the vaccine.
To classify the deaths as measles-associated, officials reviewed clinical evidence, positive laboratory results, medical records, and exposure histories. They also determined that unrelated conditions hadn't caused the deaths.
State Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen offered condolences and said the department would continue working with local partners to contain the outbreak, provide accurate information, and improve access to the MMR vaccine.
Mifflin County Commissioners Rob Postal, Kevin P. Kodish and Noah Wise issued a joint statement offering condolences to the resident's family. They thanked medical professionals, first responders and public health officials, urged residents to rely on trusted health information and asked the community to respect the family's privacy.
Through Sept. 14, Pennsylvania had recorded 693 measles cases in 38 counties, according to the state dashboard. That's 116 more than the 577 cases reported Sept. 4. Hospitalizations increased from 98 to 133.
The dashboard lists 99 cases during the latest seven-day period. It also shows that 30% of Pennsylvania's measles patients are younger than 18.
Four of Pennsylvania's confirmed patients, fewer than 1%, were fully vaccinated. Two doses of the MMR vaccine provide about 97% protection against measles, while one dose provides about 93%, according to health officials.
Mifflin County's total increased by 22 cases from the 57 reported Sept. 4. Only Lancaster County, with 296 cases, has more. Chester County ranks third with 65.
Elsewhere in the region, Snyder County has 28 cases, and Centre County has 19. Northumberland County has eight cases, Union County has seven, and Perry County remains at four. Huntingdon County has two, while Juniata County hasn't recorded a confirmed case.
The live dashboard still lists two measles-associated deaths because its figures were last updated Sept. 14. The Health Department said the two newly confirmed deaths will be added Wednesday, bringing the displayed total to four.
As of Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention hadn't included Pennsylvania's deaths in its national total. State officials said the CDC was assessing the cases under its reporting criteria.
State health officials also warned of a potential measles exposure at the Aldi supermarket at 339 Freedom Ave. in Burnham. An infected person visited the store Sept. 3 between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
People who were there should check their vaccination status and monitor for symptoms through Sept. 24. Anyone who develops symptoms should call a health care provider or 877-PA-HEALTH, or 877-724-3258, before visiting a medical facility so precautions can be taken.
Measles is a highly contagious airborne viral disease that spreads when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves.
Symptoms commonly develop seven to 14 days after exposure, but can take up to 21 days to appear. They include fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A rash usually follows, beginning on the head or face and spreading downward.
Dr. Stanley Martin, Geisinger's director of infectious diseases, warned during an Aug. 27 Geisinger interview that Pennsylvania's outbreak hadn't run its course and could continue for months.
"I don't think we see an end to the cases just yet by any means," Martin said. "And I don't think any of us would be surprised if they continue to spike upwards over the next couple of months."