Measles Outbreak at Illinois College Causes One Death, Tied to Two Others
A measles outbreak at a local college caused at least one death and probably is responsible for two others, the county coroner said Monday.
A 19-year-old student who died Feb. 22 was felled by pneumonia brought on by measles, and the disease is also suspected in the deaths of another student and the daughter of a dorm counselor, said Jersey County Coroner Paul Schroeder.
The campus measles outbreak began Jan. 11 and 108 apparent cases of the disease have been reported, said John Boyman, president of Principia College.
Students and faculty at the school must accept Christian Science teachings, which state that death, disease and sin can be overcome by prayer.
While stricken students have relied on prayer for healing at a special care center on campus, Boyman said that many students, staff and their families voluntarily have been immunized against the disease, which is showing signs of easing.
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