US Records First Measles Death In 12 years

The United States of America has recorded its first death from measles, according to Washington State health officials.

The woman’s measles was undetected and confirmed only through an autopsy, according to the Washington State Department of Health.

The woman’s name was not released, but officials said she lived in Clallam County.

Measles has surged back in recent years as groups of like-minded parents have opted against full vaccination for their children. Last year, 644 people contracted the virus.

A measles outbreak that began at Disneyland over the Christmas holidays in December spread across the country, including to Washington State.

So far this year, 178 people have been diagnosed with measles, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

Some states have reacted to the outbreaks by passing laws to require more children to be vaccinated. Both California and Vermont this year repealed exemptions that allowed unvaccinated children to attend school because of their parents’ personal beliefs.

The Washington State woman was probably exposed to measles at a medical facility during a measles outbreak this spring, according to the health department.

She was at the hospital at the same time as a patient who later developed a rash and was diagnosed with measles. Patients with measles can spread the virus even before showing symptoms.

The woman who died had other health conditions and was taking medications that suppressed her immune system.