Pennsylvania measles outbreak surpasses 1,000 cases
Pennsylvania faces largest measles outbreak since early 1990s
Pennsylvania surpasses 1,000 confirmed measles cases, with outbreaks growing in Chester and Lancaster counties and ongoing statewide vaccination efforts.
PHILADELPHIA - Pennsylvania has crossed 1,000 confirmed measles cases, ranking among the highest in the country this year, according to state health officials. The outbreak began in April west of Philadelphia and includes 1,004 cases, 198 hospitalizations and five deaths, state leaders said.
What we know:
Officials say large numbers of cases are reported in Chester and Lancaster counties. Health workers have been expanding access to the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, including bringing shots to communities, pop-up clinics and even door-to-door visits. Chester County authorities say they have given out more than 530 vaccinations so far, but the outbreak is still getting worse.
Pennsylvania’s outbreak began in April. More than 1,004 measles cases have been confirmed this year, including 198 hospitalizations and five deaths, according to state health officials. Chester County alone has 84 reported cases, but health director Jeanne Franklin said, "I have to be honest. It’s underreported. It is way more than 1,000 people. Because we know from our disease investigation efforts because when we are calling a home where an individual has been tested for measles and is positive, they are telling us the whole family had it or they are currently dealing with it."
The virus spreads quickly, especially in areas with low vaccination rates, health experts say. Doctors in the state advise some patients to be tested for measles antibodies and, if needed, to get revaccinated. "I tell patients of certain ages to get tested for antibodies. If they are not protected I may suggest them get revaccinated," said Dr. Michael Cirigliano of the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.
Timeline:
The outbreak started in April and accelerated with hundreds of new cases across the state. In August, more than 49,000 MMR vaccines were administered in Pennsylvania and in September, more than 53,000 doses were given, according to state officials. Chester County’s director described the situation: "It is still increasing, it is spreading. Measles is fast that way," said Franklin.
How state and local leaders are responding
The Pennsylvania Department of Health is running nearly 200 pop-up clinics while providing MMR vaccines as early as six months old for expanded protection. Statewide, health officials are working with all 67 counties to provide vaccine access and share science-backed guidance. Chester County health officials emphasized making the vaccine as convenient as possible, conducting home visits and local appointment clinics.
The fight includes educating health care providers—over 1,000 participated in briefings—and briefing school nurses across Pennsylvania. Officials have also given clinical guidance for treating cases in young children and pregnancy-related infections.
By the numbers:
Pennsylvania now ranks first in measles case counts and third in cases per capita. Nationally, nearly 3,900 measles cases have been reported this year, making it the worst year for the disease in the United States since 1991, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Since the start of last year, Texas, Utah and South Carolina have also faced large outbreaks, but Pennsylvania now stands out as the only state to surpass 1,000 cases in decades—a level last seen in New York City in the early 1990s.
Why you should care:
Measles is highly contagious and can be fatal, spreading easily by air or on surfaces. Up to nine out of 10 unprotected people will contract the virus if exposed, according to the CDC. The state warns that vaccination is the best defense and the quickest way to end the outbreak is to reach 95% vaccination coverage for community immunity.
What we don't know:
State officials say it is difficult to predict how the outbreak will unfold. The actual number of measles cases may be significantly higher than confirmed reports, especially in rural communities, according to county leaders.
The Source: This article contains information from the Associated Press and interviews with state and Chester County health officials.
Editor's Note: A previous version of this article included text in the video caption that inaccurately reflected that there are measles cases in Delaware County. There are no current measles cases reported in Delaware County.
The latest information on measles cases in Pennsylvania is available here: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/health/diseases-conditions/infectious-disease/measles