The state health department said the death was reported in Lancaster County, which has been hardest hit. As of Wednesday, the outbreak has reached 943 cases across 39 counties, including 119 cases reported in the last seven days. At least 176 people have been hospitalized. Lancaster County accounts for 381 cases and three of the five deaths in the outbreak. The two previous deaths in the county were infants too young to be vaccinated: a newborn boy and a 6-week-old baby girl. No further details were released about the latest death. The article's headline notes that the CDC is still not counting all deaths, though the body does not elaborate on the discrepancy.
Fifth unvaccinated person dies of measles in Pennsylvania as outbreak tops 943 cases
Lancaster County resident dies; CDC death count called into question
By LineZotpaper
Published
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A fifth unvaccinated person has died of measles in Pennsylvania, the state health department announced Wednesday, as an outbreak that began in late April continues to spread. The deceased was a resident of Lancaster County, the epicenter of the outbreak.
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Analysis
Why This Matters
- The outbreak is ongoing and expanding, with 119 new cases in the last week alone.
- Measles is highly contagious and can cause severe complications, particularly for unvaccinated individuals and infants too young to receive the vaccine.
- The deaths of two infants highlight the vulnerability of those who cannot yet be protected.
Background
Measles is a viral disease that is preventable through vaccination. The MMR vaccine is widely used and highly effective. Outbreaks often occur in communities with low vaccination coverage. This outbreak began in late April in Pennsylvania and has since spread to dozens of counties.
Key Perspectives
Health officials: The state health department is reporting cases and deaths, emphasizing the seriousness of the outbreak. Affected communities: Lancaster County residents are facing the brunt of the outbreak, with 381 cases and three deaths. Critics and skeptics: The headline suggests the CDC's official death count may be incomplete, raising questions about surveillance and reporting. The article does not provide further detail on this point.
What to Watch
- Whether the CDC updates its death count in the coming days.
- The weekly case numbers to see if the outbreak is slowing or accelerating.
- Any additional deaths, particularly in Lancaster County.
Sources
- Fifth unvaccinated person dies of measles; CDC still not counting all deaths — Ars Technica - All content