Pennsylvania reports seventh measles-linked death as cases rise

Nov 13 (Reuters) – Pennsylvania health officials on Friday reported the state’s ​seventh measles-associated death ‌this year as the outbreak continued to spread. The state has recorded 1,542 confirmed ‌measles ​cases as ⁠of November 13, ⁠including 305 hospitalizations, the Pennsylvania Department of Health said. Pennsylvania has been the ​epicenter of the US measles outbreak ⁠in 2026, ⁠accounting for a substantial ​share of infections reported ​nationwide. Measles is a highly contagious ‌viral infection that causes symptoms such as fever, cough and ⁠a characteristic rash, and can lead to severe complications like ⁠pneumonia ‌and encephalitis. It can ⁠be prevented through ​the ‌measles, mumps and ​rubella vaccine, ⁠which is about 97% effective after two doses. (Reporting by Kamal Choudhury in Bengaluru; Editing by Jonathan ​Ananda)