Measles outbreak spreads in Pennsylvania Amish communities, hospitals face strain

Doctors at the Central Pennsylvania Clinic in Belleville are confronting a rapid rise in measles cases among Amish families, many of whom lack easy access to transportation or phones. The clinic has posted signs directing symptomatic individuals to stay in their cars, wear masks and ring a bell before entering.

Pediatric geneticist Dr. Katherine Mascia said patients often arrive severely ill, requiring hospitalization or intensive care. Infectious-disease specialist Dr. Stanley Martin of Geisinger Medical Center reported seeing more than 90 measles cases this year, noting complications such as pneumonia, bacterial infections and encephalitis.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health has recorded four measles-related deaths in the past month, though the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention initially did not include them in its national count. The CDC later listed one measles death nationwide without specifying location and indicated the figure could change as reviews continue.

As of the latest report, the CDC has confirmed 3,471 measles cases in the United States this year, with over 300 hospitalizations. State officials say the outbreak is stretching hospital resources, particularly negative-pressure rooms needed for airborne isolation, which could affect care for other illnesses during the upcoming flu season.

"I fear that it is very widespread in our area, and I’m seeing so much suffering from our community," Dr. Mascia said. "Our hospitals have limited rooms, limited negative pressure rooms, and when those rooms are being used by these very very sick measles patients, then that impairs our ability to care for other illnesses," she added.

"It’s a real bitter pill," Dr. Martin said, describing the return of a disease declared eliminated in 2000.

State and local health authorities continue to coordinate the response, while federal officials have faced criticism over their handling of the outbreak data.