Lancaster County measles outbreak prompts responses from Plain community and health officials

Lancaster County health officials reported 268 confirmed measles cases, the highest tally in the state, and two related deaths. The outbreak has affected tens of thousands of members of the Plain community in the area, prompting a range of reactions.

"Our household has avoided contracting measles so far, and I know other families who stayed home to prevent spreading it," said a woman who said most of her information comes from word of mouth.

"I'm not worried because I had measles as a child, and this is the most I have ever heard it being discussed," said a man from Bird-in-Hand.

"My children and I are vaccinated. Getting the MMR vaccine is a personal choice, not a religious one," said a mother of seven.

The University of Maryland Amish Research Center is working to disseminate information within the Plain community. State doctors note that the first dose of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is normally administered at 12 months, and that all confirmed cases in the county have been among unvaccinated individuals. The Pennsylvania Department of Health now recommends an additional measles vaccine dose for children starting at six months, supplementing the standard 12-month schedule.