US
Pennsylvania measles outbreak tops 1,000 cases, the largest in a U.S. state in over 30 years
The outbreak that began west of Philadelphia in April has led to 198 hospitalizations and five deaths. New York declared a disaster emergency as the national count nears 3,900.
Pennsylvania has surpassed 1,000 measles cases this year, state health officials said Monday, making it the largest outbreak in a single U.S. state in more than three decades.
The outbreak began in April west of Philadelphia. State officials counted 1,004 cases, including 198 hospitalizations and five deaths. Not since a multiyear outbreak in New York City in the early 1990s, which infected more than 4,500 people, has a state outbreak crossed the 1,000 mark.
The worst measles year since 1991
Nationally, the country is having its worst measles year since 1991, with nearly 3,900 reported cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The U.S. has recorded eight measles-associated deaths in the past two years, more than in the previous three decades combined.
Large outbreaks have also hit Texas, Utah and South Carolina, which had 997 cases. Ohio has more than 200 cases this year. As in Pennsylvania, some of the hardest-hit Ohio counties have large Amish populations, which tend to have lower vaccination rates.
New York declares an emergency
On Monday, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a disaster emergency because of cases in neighboring states and in rural parts of New York, which has recorded more than 100 cases. Her executive order lets paramedics, midwives and others give measles shots and allows nurses, along with doctors, to order tests.
A dispute over the death count
The milestone came amid a clash between Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, a Democrat who has promoted vaccination, and U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has a long history of raising doubts about established vaccines. For weeks, the CDC did not count any deaths on its measles dashboard, saying it was seeking more information. It added one death two weeks ago and a second last week. Pennsylvania's own count stands higher.
Why it spreads so easily
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known. It spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes, and the virus can linger for up to two hours after that person has left a room. Up to nine in 10 susceptible people who are exposed will be infected.
The U.S. declared measles eliminated in 2000 thanks to high vaccination rates, but coverage has slipped below the 95% needed to stop outbreaks, driven by parental waivers, gaps in access to care and widespread misinformation.
Doctors stress that measles is not just a rash. It can cause pneumonia and brain swelling, and it can weaken the immune system's memory of other infections for months or years.
What families can do
Two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles. Health officials urge parents to check children's records, and adults unsure of their status to ask a doctor about a blood test or a booster. Anyone with a high fever and rash who may have been exposed should call ahead before going to a clinic or emergency room so staff can prevent spread.