2 measles-related deaths reported in Pennsylvania

Two individuals have died from measles in Pennsylvania, the state’s Department of Health said Tuesday. Both individuals, who were unvaccinated, lived in Lancaster County. The state health department said in a release it will not identify the deceased to protect their privacy and that of their families. Their deaths marked the first measles-related deaths in Pennsylvania in 35 years, the department noted. Dr. Debra Bogen, the state’s health secretary, said her "deepest sympathies” are with the loved ones of the two deceased Pennsylvanians. “Because measles was largely eliminated in the Commonwealth for more than three decades, people are not familiar with this disease and don’t fully understand the potential severity of the illness,” Bogen said in a release. “We want to ensure every Pennsylvanian has the information they need to protect themselves, their loved ones and their communities.” The state health department noted it has confirmed 393 cases in 28 counties so far this year. Public health officials have confirmed 2,777 cases in the U.S. as of Thursday, with 94 percent of those cases associated with 36 outbreaks, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Hill has reached out to a CDC spokesperson for comment on the two measles-related deaths in Pennsylvania.  Bogen noted the combined measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is “safe and provides the best protection we have against measles.” Earlier this month, President Trump signed an executive o…