Pennsylvania measles outbreak claims sixth life as case count surpasses 1,100

A 39-year-old unvaccinated woman in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, has become the sixth person to die from measles during the state’s ongoing outbreak, according to an advisory from Coroner Jordan Conner. The woman died on Saturday, October 10, after testing positive for the virus and suffering from several underlying health conditions.

Franklin County Coroner Jordan Conner posted an advisory on social media stating the death meets the state health department’s definition of a measles fatality. In a statement to The Washington Post, the coroner’s office listed the primary cause of death as a probable acute cardiac event due to possible measles complications. State health officials confirmed they are aware of the death and are currently reviewing the case.

Context and Background

As of Friday, October 9, Pennsylvania health officials reported 1,136 total cases across 41 of the state’s 67 counties. Of those cases, 1,124 are attributed to the current outbreak, which began in April. The outbreak shows no signs of slowing, with 157 new cases reported in the week prior to the latest update. Overall, 218 people have been hospitalized due to the virus.

The previous five deaths in Pennsylvania included a newborn, a 6-week-old infant, an 18-year-old, a 20-year-old, and a 40-year-old. All deceased individuals were unvaccinated, with the two infants too young to have received the vaccine. This outbreak represents the largest measles event in the state since 1991.

Who Is Affected

Measles, declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, is experiencing a resurgence driven by misinformation and declining vaccination rates. The nationwide case count for the year has reached 4,080, the highest total since 1991. Experts from the Pan American Health Organization are expected to review US data in November, potentially leading to the loss of the country’s measles elimination status.

Under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has only included two of the six deaths in its national reporting. The US recorded three measles deaths in 2025, marking the first fatalities since 2015. This discrepancy highlights ongoing challenges in tracking and reporting vaccine-preventable disease outcomes.

What should you do?

Healthcare professionals and public health officials should monitor state health department updates for changes in case counts and fatality reports. Individuals in affected counties should verify their vaccination status and consult healthcare providers if they exhibit symptoms. Organizations should prepare for potential staffing shortages due to illness.

What to do and how to stay safe: measles

• Verify personal vaccination records for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) with a healthcare provider.
• Monitor official state health department websites for real-time outbreak data and travel advisories.
• Isolate and seek medical attention immediately if symptoms such as fever, rash, or cough appear.
• Encourage unvaccinated family members to consult their doctors about vaccination eligibility and safety.

General security guidance from the Threat Times newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.

Frequently asked questions

How many measles cases are in Pennsylvania?

As of October 9, there are 1,136 cases, with 1,124 linked to the current outbreak.

How many people have died from measles in Pennsylvania?

Six people have died, including a 39-year-old woman who died on October 10.

Why does the CDC report fewer deaths?

The CDC has only included two of the six deaths in its reporting under current leadership.