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Pennsylvania measles cases near 800 as outbreak grows
Yahoo • • health
Key Points:
- Pennsylvania's measles outbreak has grown to 792 cases as of September 21, with 25 new cases reported since Friday, marking the state's central role in the nation's worst measles resurgence in decades.
- Hospitalizations have increased slightly, with 155 measles patients currently hospitalized, up from 150 reported on September 18, and Lancaster County remains the hardest-hit area.
- Disputes have arisen between Governor Josh Shapiro and U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over the number of measles-related deaths among unvaccinated residents, with the CDC still reviewing how to classify Pennsylvania's 2026 measles deaths in the national count.
- Nationwide, the U.S. has recorded 3,471 measles cases this year as of September 17, highlighting the contagious nature of the disease despite the availability of a highly effective vaccine.
- Measles is a highly contagious viral disease causing fever, rash, and respiratory issues but is preventable with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is 97% effective after two doses.
