Two people in Pennsylvania have died from measles, marking the first reported US deaths from the disease this year. The Pennsylvania Department of Health said on August 25 that both victims were unvaccinated and lived in Lancaster County, the epicenter of a statewide outbreak that has sickened hundreds.
The deaths are also the first measles-related fatalities reported in Pennsylvania in 35 years. “People are not familiar with this disease and don’t fully understand the potential severity of the illness,” Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen said.
More than 2,700 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 is hospitalized. The MMR vaccine, which also targets mumps and rubella, is 97% effective at preventing the disease.
Indeed, 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.