Days after Pennsylvania health officials reported two measles-related deaths, questions have arisen about possible contributing factors. The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) confirmed the deaths, stating both individuals were unvaccinated. These marked the state’s first measles-related fatalities in 35 years.
On Wednesday, the DOH revealed that one of the deaths was a newborn from Lancaster County. The county coroner, Dr. Stephen Diamantoni, indicated the newborn died from a lacerated spleen and tested positive for measles, contracted before birth.
The DOH states that not all deaths are referred to a coroner under state law. They use the term “measles-associated” when evidence of measles is present, even if not identified as the direct cause of death. Measles can impact the spleen, sometimes leading to enlargement or rupture.
Pregnant women and newborns face significant risks from measles complications. Those too young for the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine are particularly vulnerable, according to Dr. Marc Siegel, a senior medical analyst.
Concerns about vaccination have also surfaced, with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. questioning Pennsylvania’s disclosure of information related to the deaths. Kennedy accused state officials of “fearmongering” and claimed the deaths might have been fabricated. The CDC is looking into the matter to clarify any discrepancies.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro addressed the deaths during a press conference, noting the consequences of misinformation regarding vaccines. His office criticized Kennedy for creating confusion, which they suggest led to reduced vaccination protection and increased measles cases.
Pennsylvania’s Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen contradicted Kennedy’s claims, stating that the deaths were reported to the CDC early Tuesday. Meanwhile, Lancaster County Commissioner Josh Parsons expressed skepticism over the evidence linking the deaths to measles.
Dr. Siegel explained that “measles-associated” deaths occur when measles weakens the immune system, resulting in increased pneumonia risk and potential secondary bacterial infections. Determining if measles contributed to a death involves analyzing whether it directly caused complications like pneumonia or contributed to organ stress.
Lancaster County is central to Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak, with 424 confirmed cases and 73 hospitalizations reported.