A 40-year-old woman in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania has died of complications from measles, according to county coroner Greg Furlong. It marks the third vaccine-preventable, measles-linked death in the US this year, all occurring in Pennsylvania amid an explosive outbreak with over 670 cases and 124 hospitalizations across 37 counties. Prior to these deaths, Pennsylvania had not reported a measles death in 35 years.

Furlong called the death “a heartbreaking loss for the family and an unfortunate reminder that measles can be a serious and potentially life-threatening disease.” Chief Deputy Coroner Jason Stiver emphasized that measles should not be taken lightly, noting it can cause severe complications in any age group, including respiratory failure, hospitalization, and death. The woman had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and required supplemental oxygen, making her vulnerable. Her death certificate listed respiratory failure due to suspected measles as the immediate cause.

Though unconfirmed by testing, she was unvaccinated and exposed to someone with measles, showing classic symptoms including the characteristic rash. The coroner’s office is working with the state health department, which has not yet added the death to the official outbreak tally but confirmed awareness of the case.