Pennsylvania woman dies of measles complications, coroner reports

The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office in Pennsylvania confirmed the first measles-related death in the county on Saturday. State health officials previously reported two measles-related deaths in Lancaster County.

According to Coroner Greg Furlong, a 40-year-old woman died on Saturday from complications associated with measles. 

“This is a heartbreaking loss for the family and an unfortunate reminder that measles can be a serious and potentially life-threatening disease,” Furlong said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time. We ask that the public and media respect their privacy as they mourn the loss of their loved one.”

In a phone interview Monday with CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook, Furlong said the woman was not vaccinated and had a number of underlying health conditions. 

He said she developed symptoms after close contact with a relative, a neighbor, who had a confirmed case of measles. The woman’s husband also got sick but recovered. 

Furlong described her as having “textbook” symptoms, including a rash beginning after about 3-4 days, and said he expects lab results to confirm the infection soon. “I am 110 percent that this is associated,” he said.

In a statement, the deputy coroner also warned the public about the severity of measles. 

“Many people associate measles with a childhood illness, but it can lead to severe complications in individuals of any age,” said Jefferson County Deputy Coroner Jason Stiver. “Measles is highly contagious and can result in serious respiratory illness, hospitalization, and in rare cases like this, death. We encourage residents to stay informed, follow guidance from public health officials, and take appropriate steps to protect themselves and their families.”

Stiver also said that preventing the spread of measles remains a public health priority in the county. 

Jefferson County is working with the Pennsylvania Department of Health in relation to the case. 

As of Monday, Sept. 14, the Pennsylvania Department of Health is reporting 693 cases of measles in the state so far in 2026, including 99 in the past week.

In the U.S., more than 3,200 cases have been reported in 2026, the highest in the country in decades.