A six-week-old child in Pennsylvania has died from measles, according to the Lancaster County coroner, as the county faces a growing outbreak.
The infant was diagnosed with Amish lethal microcephaly, a rare condition that typically results in a life expectancy of five to six months and can increase susceptibility to respiratory infections. The coroner, Stephen Diamantoni, confirmed the death to multiple news outlets but did not provide further details about the case.
Pennsylvania has reported nearly 400 measles cases across 28 counties, with most cases involving adults between the ages of 18 and 49. State health officials have not confirmed whether the six-week-old was one of the two deaths announced last week. The first death, on 14 August, involved an infant whose mother had measles and transmitted it to the child. In that case, the coroner stated that a ruptured spleen, not measles, was the cause of death, though measles was listed on the newborn’s death certificate. The recent deaths have sparked debate over the role of measles in the fatalities and the handling of the outbreak by state officials.
Why it matters
The death highlights the vulnerability of infants with pre-existing conditions to measles outbreaks.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.
What to watch
Health officials may provide further clarification on the cause of death and the status of the two previously announced fatalities.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.