Pennsylvania Baby's Death Linked to Measles, Ruptured Spleen
A Pennsylvania baby with measles died from a ruptured spleen, raising questions about the virus's role.
A baby in Pennsylvania, who had contracted measles, died from a ruptured spleen, according to a coroner's report. Dr. Stephen Diamantoni, the Lancaster County coroner, stated that while the measles virus was present in the infant's lung tissue, he did not believe measles was the direct cause of death. The infant succumbed to an internal hemorrhage and a "traumatic rupture" of the spleen shortly after birth.
This announcement comes shortly after the Pennsylvania Health Department confirmed two deaths linked to measles in the state, with the infant being one of the victims. The department's health secretary, Dr. Debra Bogen, affirmed the cases as "measles-associated," indicating laboratory or epidemiological evidence of infection. Despite the coroner's findings, Dr. Bogen, drawing on her three decades of pediatric experience, supports the department's conclusions.
Details of the Investigation
Dr. Diamantoni expressed uncertainty about whether measles contributed to the infant's death. He pointed out that while infections can enlarge the spleen, increasing the risk of rupture, such changes might not be detectable post-rupture during an autopsy. The coroner noted that the infant was delivered at a birthing center with assistance from a lay midwife lacking certification in midwifery, prompting further investigation into the case.
The Health Department has not disclosed details about the second measles-related death but noted that both individuals were unvaccinated. Newborns are not eligible for the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine until they are at least 12 months old. In Lancaster County, MMR vaccination rates have dropped from 95.5% in 2017 to 87.6% last year, below the 95% threshold generally required for herd immunity.
Rising Measles Cases
This year, Pennsylvania has recorded 424 measles cases, with 94 cases reported in the last week alone. Nationwide, the U.S. has seen 2,777 confirmed measles cases, the highest in 35 years. Dr. Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, remarked on the unusually high death rate, suggesting the outbreak might be more severe than it appears.
The two deaths are the first measles-associated fatalities in the U.S. this year and the first in Pennsylvania in 35 years. So far, 73 people in the state have been hospitalized due to measles complications.