Lancaster County baby died of measles, coroner says
LANCASTER, Pa. —
An infant died from measles in Lancaster County, according to Lancaster County Coroner Stephen Diamantoni.
Video above: Lancaster County commissioner proposes health department.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health originally reported that death and another infant death in Lancaster County as “measles-associated.” Some officials had questioned what exactly the term “measles-associated” meant.
Friday morning, Diamantoni confirmed that one of the infants died from measles.
The baby girl also had Amish lethal microcephaly. Infants born with this condition typically only live about six months.
The baby was born in July and was immediately admitted to palliative care at a hospital. The child died after about two months.
It’s not clear whether the infant was born with measles or contracted it after birth.
First infant death
The previous death on Aug. 14 involved an infant whose mother had measles and passed it along.
The coroner said in that case, a ruptured spleen, not measles, was the cause of death. Measles was listed on the newborn’s death certificate.
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About measles
- Measles is highly contagious and can cause pneumonia, brain swelling, long-term complications, and, in rare cases, death.
- Nearly 20% of people with measles are hospitalized; about 1 to 3 per 1,000 cases result in death.
- The virus spreads through breathing, coughing, or sneezing and can remain infectious in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours.
- Early symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes.
- A rash typically appears a few days later, beginning on the head and spreading downward.
- Symptoms may develop 7–21 days after exposure.
- If you may have been exposed or develop symptoms, contact your health care provider promptly or call 877-PA-HEALTH (877-724-3258).
Natalya Maisheva
Measles rash.