Two unvaccinated people have died of measles in Pennsylvania, marking the state's first measles deaths in 35 years. Health officials confirmed both deaths occurred in the same region of the state.
The deaths come as measles cases climb across the country, driven by falling vaccination rates in some communities. Public health experts called the deaths preventable and avoidable.
The outbreak so far
State health officials did not release the ages of the two people who died, citing privacy rules. They said both were unvaccinated and both developed severe complications from the infection.
Measles is one of the most contagious viruses known. It can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a room. A single case can spark dozens of new infections in a community with low vaccination rates.
Pennsylvania's outbreak is part of a broader national trend. Several states have reported measles cases this year, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has urged families to catch up on missed doses.
Why measles is dangerous
Most people who get measles recover. But the virus can cause pneumonia, brain swelling and permanent hearing loss. Young children and adults with weak immune systems face the highest risk.
For every 1,000 children who get measles, one or two will die from complications, according to the CDC. The two Pennsylvania deaths are a reminder that measles is not a mild illness.
The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective. Two doses provide about 97 percent protection against measles, and protection lasts a lifetime.
What health officials recommend
The Pennsylvania Department of Health is working with local clinics to offer free vaccination clinics in the affected region. Officials are also reviewing immunization records in schools and daycares.
Doctors urge anyone who has not received two doses of the MMR vaccine to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Adults born after 1957 who cannot document immunity should check with their doctor.
This did not have to happen, one state health official said. The vaccine is safe, it is effective, and it is widely available.