Unvaccinated 40-Year-Old in Jefferson County Dies With Measles; Outbreak Raises Concerns for People With Chronic Lung Disease

The Jefferson County coroner has confirmed that a 40-year-old woman who died Saturday morning was suffering from an active measles infection, officials said. She had an extensive medical history, including chronic lung disease — asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) — and required oxygen around the clock.

Jason Stiver, chief deputy coroner and public relations officer for Jefferson County, said a nasal swab taken at the time of death tested positive for measles. "The positive test result supports the determination that the decedent was suffering from an active measles infection at the time of death," the coroner's office said in a press release.

Stiver said the woman was pronounced dead in her home just before 8 a.m. on Saturday. She had not received the measles vaccine and had symptoms consistent with measles, including fever and the characteristic rash. Investigators reported she lived with others showing similar symptoms and had direct contact with a family member in another household whose infection was laboratory-confirmed.

Outbreak Context

This is the third recorded measles death in Pennsylvania amid this year's outbreak. Two infants previously died of measles-related complications, according to the Lancaster County coroner; one infant was delivered prematurely after the mother, who had measles, went into labor a month early.

As of Monday, Pennsylvania officials confirmed 693 cases this year, with 99 reported in the most recent week. Public-health analysts caution that official counts likely understate total infections: historically, measles causes about 1 to 2 deaths per 1,000 cases, so multiple deaths in a short period could imply a substantially higher number of infections than confirmed.

Why This Matters

Measles is highly contagious and can be severe or fatal for people with underlying health problems. Once the virus circulates, it can attack multiple organs, including the lungs and heart. In rare cases, a measles infection can lead to subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a progressive, usually fatal brain disorder that can appear years after the initial illness.

The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is about 97% effective at preventing measles when the recommended two-dose schedule is followed. Public-health officials emphasize vaccination as the most effective protection, especially for vulnerable people with chronic conditions.

State and Federal Response

The coroner’s office said it notified state health officials, who informed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A CDC spokesperson confirmed the notification. According to state officials, Pennsylvania had not formally requested CDC-led assistance at the time of reporting; the state said it maintains regular communication with CDC staff and will consider additional support as the outbreak continues.

Nationwide, the United States is experiencing the largest measles outbreak since 1991, with 3,294 confirmed cases this year, according to the CDC. In addition to the three deaths in Pennsylvania, three other measles-related deaths were reported elsewhere in 2025: one adult in New Mexico and two young girls in Texas during that state's large outbreak.

Key quote: "She did have a pretty extensive medical history," said Jason Stiver. "She was on oxygen 24/7."

Health officials urge anyone exposed to measles or showing symptoms to contact public-health authorities promptly. People who are unsure of their vaccination status should speak with their healthcare provider about receiving the MMR vaccine.