Measles outbreak declared in Delaware; cases also rising in Chester County, Pa. - 6abc Philadelphia
Health officials in Delaware and Pennsylvania have declared a measles outbreak, urging residents to ensure they are vaccinated. Confirmed cases are rising, prompting concerns about the spread of the highly contagious virus.
Why it matters
Measles outbreaks highlight the ongoing public health challenge of maintaining vaccination rates and the potential for severe complications in vulnerable populations.
DOVER, Del. (WPVI) -- Health officials in Delaware and Chester County, Pennsylvania, are urging residents to get vaccinated as measles cases continue to climb across the region.
Delaware authorities formally declared a measles outbreak on Wednesday after confirming four cases, all involving unvaccinated adult men in Kent County, Delaware.
Dr. Robert Rosenbaum, medical director of the Delaware EMS and Preparedness section, said officials are still working to determine how the patients contracted the airborne virus.
"Measles is a highly contagious disease. It's why we vaccinate for it," he said.
RELATED: Investigation: Big drop in MMR vaccinations at area schools
Rosenbaum added that investigators are conducting "extensive contact tracing for the patients we identified, and we're watching to see if there are any additional cases."
Chester County's public health director reported 13 confirmed measles cases and anticipates more.
Residents expressed concern about the growing numbers.
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