Pennsylvania records a fifth measles death as the nation endures its worst year since 1991

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Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. endure / ɛnˈdʊər / (v.) – to experience something difficult or unpleasant and continue through it
    Example:

    The country has endured years of economic problems.


  2. coroner / ˈkɔr ə nər / (n.) – a person whose job is to investigate how and why someone died, especially when the death is sudden, unexpected, violent, or unclear
    Example:

    According to the coroner, the victim died several hours before the body was discovered.


  3. waiver / ˈweɪ vər / (n.) – an official document or agreement that allows someone to avoid a rule, requirement, or responsibility
    Example:

    His parents signed a waiver before he joined the activity.


  4. rampant / ˈræm pənt / (adj.) – relating to something that exists or spreads quickly and widely, and is difficult to control
    Example:

    Corruption was rampant in the organization.


  5. sow / soʊ / (v.) – to cause something to begin and spread, especially an idea, feeling, or problem
    Example:

    False information can sow fear and confusion among the public.


Article

Read the text below.

Pennsylvania health officials reported a fifth measles-associated death as the U.S. endures its worst year for the disease since 1991.


The Pennsylvania Department of Health said the person was from Lancaster County and was unvaccinated. The state did not provide any further information about the person who died. Lancaster County’s coroner, Dr. Stephen Diamantoni, said that his office did not handle the death and that state officials have not provided him with any details.


The state’s other deaths have included an 18-year-old resident of Mifflin County, in the center of the state; a 40-year-old woman from Jefferson County, a rural area in western Pennsylvania; and two infants in Lancaster County, in the southeastern part of the state.


None of them were vaccinated, according to the state health department. The infants were too young for vaccinations, according to current recommendations.


The U.S. has now seen eight reported measles-associated deaths in the last two years—more than the combined total of reported deaths over the previous three decades.


Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak continues to grow, with 943 illnesses reported so far this year across 39 counties. The measles-associated deaths are the first reported in the state in 35 years, state officials say.


The nation eliminated the domestic spread of measles in 2000 by maintaining high vaccination rates, but they have fallen in recent years to below the 95% coverage needed to prevent outbreaks. Meanwhile, measles infections have been surging in recent years.


In November, international health officials will meet to determine if the U.S. and Mexico have lost their measles-free status.


The problem has been years in the making, as fewer kids get routine vaccines because of parental waivers, healthcare access issues, and rampant disinformation. More recently, Trump administration health officials, including Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have questioned and sown doubt about the established safety of vaccines at an unprecedented level while also defunding local efforts to improve vaccination rates.


This article was provided by The Associated Press.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • The article says vaccination rates in the U.S. have fallen below the 95% level needed to prevent measles outbreaks. Why do you think people might change their minds about getting vaccines? Discuss.
  • The article says that rampant disinformation has contributed to fewer children receiving routine vaccines. How do you decide whether health information online is trustworthy? What information online made you question something you previously believed? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • The article says some U.S. health officials have questioned the established safety of vaccines. In your opinion, how much should people trust health officials when making personal health decisions? What should officials do when their public statements may cause people to lose confidence in established health information? Discuss.
  • The U.S. eliminated the domestic spread of measles in 2000 by maintaining high vaccination rates, but rates have fallen in recent years. What do you think the government and health officials should do to convince people to maintain high vaccination rates? Discuss.