A Lancaster County coroner has ruled out measles as the cause of death for a baby who tested positive for the virus, creating a conflict with state health officials who previously linked the child’s death to the outbreak. Dr. Stephen Diamantoni, Lancaster County coroner, determined the infant died from a ruptured spleen on August 14 at a birthing center in Christina Borough. The coroner’s office stated there was no swelling or enlargement of the spleen, which would be expected if measles were a contributing factor. Diamantoni also noted the cause of the spleen laceration remained undetermined. The baby was one of two individuals in Lancaster County whose deaths were initially reported as measles-associated by state health authorities.
State officials, including Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen, had previously confirmed the deaths as measles-related in a statement issued on August 25. Bogen cited a review of case investigation information in her confirmation. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated on August 29 that there was conflicting information regarding whether the deaths were directly caused by measles. The CDC has since indicated it is working to determine the actual circumstances surrounding the fatalities.
The conflicting reports come amid a measles outbreak in Pennsylvania’s Lancaster County, where nearly 400 cases have been confirmed this year. The outbreak has primarily affected unvaccinated communities, including large Amish and Mennonite populations, though vaccination rates within these groups vary. Brittany Nicole Sponenberg shared her experience after her premature infant was exposed to measles while in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville. The exposure occurred between August 14 and August 17, when an adult visitor developed symptoms and later tested positive for measles. Sponenberg was notified of the exposure three days after her son had been transferred to another hospital. The Pennsylvania Department of Health has reported two measles-related deaths in Lancaster County, the first such fatalities in the area in 35 years.
Health officials continue to investigate the circumstances of the deaths and the outbreak’s progression. The CDC’s review may provide further clarity on the role of measles in the fatalities, while local health departments urge vaccination and heightened precautions to prevent further spread.