A Pennsylvania infant who died at six weeks old was found to have succumbed to measles, according to Lancaster County coroner Stephen Diamantoni. The baby, born with Amish lethal microcephaly—a rare genetic disorder that predisposes children to severe respiratory infections—was already vulnerable when the highly contagious virus struck. Health officials have linked the case to a recent surge in measles, which has already claimed the lives of two unvaccinated individuals in the state. The tragedy underscores the heightened risk that vaccine-preventable diseases pose to those with underlying health conditions, and it has reignited debate over vaccination coverage in communities with low immunization rates.
A 6-week-old infant’s death in Pennsylvania was caused by measles, the Lancaster County coroner confirmed Friday. County coroner Stephen Diamantoni said the child, who died last month, was born with Amish lethal microcephaly, a rare genetic condition that can cause respiratory infections. Pennsylvania health officials last week announced the “measles-related” deaths of two unvaccinated people,...
