Measles cases in Pennsylvania exceed 900 as outbreak spreads

Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak continued to worsen today, with 68 new infections reported since Wednesday of last week, bringing the total to 903 as the state grapples with its worst measles resurgence in decades.

Pennsylvania Department of Health data released today shows 176 measles patients were hospitalized, up from 164 reported on September 23. Lancaster County, which has the highest number of cases, remains the hardest-hit region in the state.

Pennsylvania reported four measles-related deaths among unvaccinated residents earlier this month, sparking a disagreement between Gov. Josh Shapiro and U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over the number of deaths directly caused by the virus.

Shortly afterward, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it was revising how it classified measles-related deaths. The CDC website now lists one death from measles, but has not confirmed where the death occurred.

The United States has recorded 3,659 cases of measles this year as of September 24, according to CDC data.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can cause fever, rash, and respiratory complications, but it can be easily prevented with the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine, a routine childhood immunization that provides 97% protection after two doses.