Pennsylvania has recorded its first two measles deaths in 35 years, with state health officials reporting that both individuals were unvaccinated.
The deaths occurred in Lancaster County, an area that has emerged as a center of the state’s ongoing measles outbreak. Officials did not release additional information about the two individuals, citing the need to protect their privacy.
Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen expressed sympathy for their families while warning that decades without measles deaths in the state have left many residents unfamiliar with how serious the disease can become.
“My deepest sympathies are with the loved ones who are facing this unimaginable loss,” Bogen said. “Because measles was largely eliminated in the Commonwealth for more than three decades, people are not familiar with this disease and don’t fully understand the potential severity of the illness.”
Bogen also urged Pennsylvanians to understand the protection available through vaccination.
“We want to ensure every Pennsylvanian has the information they need to protect themselves, their loved ones and their communities,” she said. “As a physician, I want to make sure that people understand that the MMR vaccine is safe and provides the best protection we have against measles.”
The two deaths come during a sharp increase in measles infections both in Pennsylvania and nationally.
According to ABC News, citing Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data, the number of confirmed U.S. measles cases had already surpassed the total recorded during all of the previous year.
Last year’s total reached 2,289 cases, which had been the highest annual figure in more than three decades. The latest total has now climbed to 2,777 cases, making it the highest number recorded since 1991, according to the cited CDC figures.
The CDC recommends two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine. Children typically receive the first MMR dose between 12 and 15 months of age and the second between ages four and six.
According to the CDC, one dose is approximately 93 percent effective at preventing measles, while two doses are approximately 97 percent effective.
