The Pennsylvania Department of Health said an unvaccinated Lancaster County resident who tested positive for measles has died. The department reported the death to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Pennsylvania has recorded 943 confirmed measles cases across 39 counties this year. Health officials reported 40 new cases since September 28. Measles has also sent at least 176 people to hospitals.

Lancaster County Sees Third Death

The latest death marks the third measles-associated death in Lancaster County this year. Pennsylvania reported its first two measles-associated deaths in August. Those deaths marked the first such deaths in the state in 35 years.

Health officials have increased vaccination efforts as the outbreak continues. More than 53,000 people received MMR vaccine doses across Pennsylvania in September. That figure represents more than twice the number given during a typical month. Two MMR doses provide about 97 percent protection against measles.

Dispute Over Measles Death Count

The outbreak has also sparked disagreement over how officials should include measles-associated deaths in the national count. Pennsylvania uses the term when a person with confirmed measles dies within 30 days of developing symptoms, unless another unrelated event caused the death.

Pennsylvania has reported five measles-associated deaths. Meanwhile, the CDC’s national tally recently listed two measles-related deaths without identifying where they occurred. The difference has led to a public dispute between Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over the classification of the deaths.

State Seeks Federal Assistance

Pennsylvania officials have also requested additional federal assistance to help manage the outbreak. The state asked the CDC for an Epi-Aid investigation earlier this month. Health officials continue to monitor the spread.

Pennsylvania’s confirmed cases have more than doubled since August. The increase has added to concerns about the continued spread of measles across the state.