Pennsylvania measles outbreak tops 900 cases as hospitalizations rise
Pennsylvania health officials reported 68 new measles infections, bringing the state total to 903, with 176 patients hospitalized and four deaths under review.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health said 68 additional measles cases were confirmed, raising the statewide total to 903. Hospitalizations increased to 176, up from 164 reported a week earlier, with Lancaster County accounting for the largest share of cases.
Four deaths among residents who had not received the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine were reported earlier this month. Governor Josh Shapiro and U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expressed differing views on how many of those fatalities were directly attributable to measles. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced it is reassessing its criteria for classifying measles-related deaths; its website currently lists one verified measles death without specifying the location.
Nationally, the CDC recorded 3,659 measles cases in the United States as of Sept. 24. Health officials note that the disease is highly contagious but can be prevented through the routine two-dose MMR vaccine, which provides about 97% protection.