A 40-year-old unvaccinated woman in Pennsylvania died Saturday, most likely from measles complications, according to Jefferson County coroner Greg Furlong. The immediate cause was respiratory failure "due to suspected measles," per a preliminary death certificate. Testing has not yet confirmed measles, but the woman exhibited symptoms including the characteristic rash and had recent exposure to a confirmed case. She had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (C.O.P.D.) and required 24/7 supplemental oxygen, making her especially vulnerable.

This marks the third reported death linked to Pennsylvania's rapidly expanding outbreak, which has sickened more than 670 people and hospitalized 124. The state health department reported two related deaths last month, sparking debate over whether measles was the direct cause. The department has not yet included this death in its official tally but is in close contact with Furlong.

Measles deaths remain rare in the U.S., but the virus's resurgence has caused a handful of fatalities recently. Two school-aged children and one adult died last year from measles complications — the first such deaths in a decade. Roughly one in five unvaccinated Americans who contract measles requires hospitalization for complications like pneumonia, severe dehydration, and brain swelling. The virus poses heightened risk to young children, adults over 20, and immunocompromised individuals.