A second measles death in the US has been announced by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This comes as the country is dealing with an outbreak that has spread to 47 states.
As of 24 September, the CDC had confirmed a total of 3,659 measles cases. The two deaths were confirmed on Tuesday, though the CDC did not specify where they occurred.
Pennsylvania, which has reported over 900 cases and four deaths, is not having its death figures included in the CDC's national data. This discrepancy is part of an ongoing dispute between Pennsylvania's governor and the US health secretary.
Measles is a highly contagious virus that can lead to serious health complications. Deaths from measles occur in approximately one to three patients per 1,000 cases, although this is rare.