HARRISBURG, Pa. — Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak continued to worsen, with 68 new infections reported since Wednesday last week, bringing the total to 903 as of Monday, according to Department of Health data, as the state grapples with the worst resurgence of measles in decades.
Here are more details:
• According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, 176 measles patients were hospitalized, compared to 164 reported on September 23.
• Lancaster County, with the highest number of cases, remains the hardest-hit area 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 thereafter, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that it was revising how it classifies 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 can be easily prevented with the “measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine — a routine childhood immunizationthat provides 97% protection after two doses.
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Gn Health
