Since August, six people diagnosed with measles have died in Pennsylvania, according to county health officials and coroners. The CDC acknowledged two of the deaths on its measles outbreak website, saying the remaining measles-related deaths in Pennsylvania are “under review.”
“CDC will continue to work closely with Pennsylvania health officials to provide the expertise and support needed to respond to the outbreak and protect public health,” a CDC spokesperson wrote in an email Thursday, adding that Director Dr. Erica Schwartz recommends the MMR vaccine “as the most effective way to prevent measles and protect against infection.”
Pennsylvania is experiencing the nation’s worst measles outbreak in 30 years, with at least 1,222 confirmed cases and 225 hospitalizations, although doctors say the true number of illnesses is likely much higher. The epicenter of the outbreak remains in Lancaster County, but is spreading across the state.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the CDC assistance.
The CDC team has already sent teams to other states with significant measles outbreaks: Kansas, New Mexico, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin. These deployments are generally short-term, approximately one to three weeks. They aim to help mobilize and streamline outbreak containment efforts.
In addition to the deployment, the CDC is providing nearly $4 million to support measles control efforts in Pennsylvania.
Gn Health
