Two unvaccinated people die of measles in Pennsylvania

Deaths from disease are first in state in 35 years and just one day after Maryland declared outbreak in three counties Two unvaccinated individuals have died of measles in Pennsylvania, state health officials announced on Tuesday. The deaths are the first in the state in 35 years and have been announced just one day after Maryland declared a measles outbreak in three counties. Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known to medicine, and is preventable with a highly effective vaccine. “My deepest sympathies are with the loved ones who are facing this unimaginable loss,” said the Pennsylvania secretary of health, Dr Debra Bogen, in a statement. “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.” Measles kills one to three people for every 1,000 it infects, and can lead to short- and long-term health problems, including pneumonia and brain swelling. About 20% of unvaccinated people who contract measles will be hospitalized. “As a physician, I want to make sure that people understand that the [measles, mumps and rubella] vaccine is s