Pa. DOH: For first time in 35 years, 2 unvaccinated Pa. residents die of measles

Pennsylvania health officials confirmed that two unvaccinated residents of Lancaster County have died from measles. This event marks the first time in 35 years that the state has recorded deaths from the virus. Measles is a highly infectious disease characterized by fever and an itchy rash, primarily affecting children. The virus belongs to the Morbillivirus group and utilizes surface proteins to penetrate host cells, though a single infection typically provides life-long immunity to the patient.