Pennsylvania Measles Outbreak Becomes Largest in U.S. Since 1991

Pennsylvania has surpassed 1,000 measles cases this year, marking the largest state outbreak recorded in the United States since 1991, state health officials announced Monday.

The U.S. is experiencing its most significant measles year since 1991, with nearly 3,900 cases reported nationwide according to the CDC. In the past two years, the nation has recorded eight measles-associated deaths, a number that exceeds the total from the preceding three decades. Large outbreaks have also occurred in Texas, Utah, and South Carolina, which reported 997 cases last year.

New York's governor declared a disaster emergency due to rising measles cases in neighboring states and within rural areas of New York. The executive order expands vaccination administration to include paramedics and midwives, and permits nurses to order testing alongside doctors. New York has reported over 100 cases this year.

In Pennsylvania, the current outbreak began in April west of Philadelphia. To date, there have been 1,004 cases, resulting in 198 hospitalizations and five deaths, according to state officials.

Health experts attribute these outbreaks to a decline in vaccination rates. The nation had eliminated the domestic spread of measles in 2000 by maintaining high vaccination rates, but coverage has fallen below the 95% threshold necessary to prevent outbreaks. This trend has been influenced by factors such as parental waivers, challenges in healthcare access, and the spread of misinformation.

An international health committee is scheduled to convene in November to determine if the U.S. and Mexico have lost their measles-free status.

Measles is highly contagious and can spread through respiratory droplets, coughing, sneezing, and contact with contaminated surfaces. It can remain airborne for up to two hours. The CDC estimates that up to 90% of susceptible individuals exposed to the virus will contract it.

Other states are also seeing an increase in cases, with Ohio reporting over 200 cases this year. In both Pennsylvania and Ohio, some of the most affected counties have significant Amish populations, which have historically shown lower vaccination rates.

Initially, the CDC did not include measles-associated deaths from Pennsylvania in its data dashboard, stating that more information was needed. However, the agency has since begun acknowledging these cases, with two deaths now listed on its tally.

In August, state officials announced two unvaccinated Pennsylvania residents had died after contracting measles. This announcement occurred amid scrutiny of U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has previously raised concerns about established vaccines. Since then, three additional deaths have been reported in Pennsylvania.