US Grapples with Deadliest Measles Outbreak in Decades as Third Death Reported by CDC

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed a third measles-related death in the United States, amidst the nation's most significant measles outbreak in decades. The CDC did not disclose the state where this latest fatality occurred on Tuesday. The agency's national death toll is currently lower than figures reported by state officials, notably in Pennsylvania, which has been the hardest-hit state. As of Monday, Pennsylvania had recorded 1,286 cases and five deaths. The CDC's confirmation of the third death followed verification by the National Center for Health Statistics that measles was the primary cause of death as indicated on a death certificate. As of October 15, the CDC had reported a total of 4,410 measles cases nationwide. The agency has cautioned that its death count may be subject to revision as further reviews are completed. The outbreak in Pennsylvania has expanded significantly beyond its initial epicenter in Lancaster County, with cases now reported in 42 counties. The federal government's methodology for counting measles deaths has faced scrutiny, particularly after the CDC transitioned to using mortality data from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) instead of relying on reports from state health departments. Previously, the CDC informed Al Jazeera that it is collaborating with the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists to establish a standardized definition for measles deaths. In the interim, NCHS mortality data will serve as the benchmark.