Pennsylvania has reported a fourth measles-linked death this year, as the outbreak continues to grow, marking the highest annual death toll from measles in the US since 1992. The latest death in the state was that of an unvaccinated 18-year-old teenager on September 15, who died because of complications that occurred after an infection.
Earlier, a 40-year-old woman died over the weekend of September 12-13, and two more residents died in August. Two infant deaths were also reported, but it appears that they have not been included in the CDC's measles death count.
Indeed, more than 3,200 measles cases have been reported across the US this year, the highest annual total since the disease was declared eliminated in 2000. Measles can cause fever, rashes, and coughing, and about one in four infected people ends up hospitalized. The MMR vaccine, which also targets mumps and rubella, is 97% effective at preventing the disease.
Measles is one of the world’s most contagious illnesses. Click through to learn how it spreads, what symptoms to watch for, and how to stay protected.