Measles outbreak in Pennsylvania’s Amish region leads to hospital exposures and community concerns

A measles outbreak centered in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, has infected nearly 400 people this year, with about half of the cases occurring in the county’s Amish and Mennonite communities. Two deaths were reported, marking the first measles-related fatalities in the area in 35 years.

At Geisinger Medical Center, a newborn in the neonatal intensive care unit was exposed to the virus after an adult visitor who later tested positive for measles spent time in the unit between Aug. 14 and Aug. 17. The infant’s mother, Brittany Sponenberg, said she was notified three days after the exposure and that the baby will receive an additional injection and be placed in an isolation room for up to 28 days.

Similar exposures have been reported at Penn State’s Golisano Children’s Hospital and UPMC Children’s Hospital Emergency Department. Dr. Jeffrey Martin of Lancaster General Health urged patients to call ahead if measles is suspected, to allow staff to prepare and limit further spread.

Local driver Kimberly Reichenbach, who transports Amish customers, stopped working after she and her partner, both immunized, drove clients who were ill or had been exposed to measles. She expressed concern about the risk to her own family, noting that many Amish residents are reluctant to take medication for symptoms.

In response, Geisinger revised its visitor screening, limiting NICU access to parents or legal guardians without measles symptoms and encouraging mask use. Hospital officials said the changes aim to protect patients, visitors, and staff while balancing the need for family presence.

Public health officials highlighted that vaccination rates in Lancaster County fall below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity, with some private schools reporting rates under 50%. The outbreak underscores the vulnerability of premature infants and other high-risk groups to severe measles complications.