Pennsylvania measles outbreak grows to 890 cases with 55 new infections: Officials
A measles outbreak in Pennsylvania has reached 890 cases, with 55 new infections reported recently. State health officials are actively promoting MMR vaccinations through pop-up clinics to curb the spread of the virus.
Why it matters
The rapid growth of a preventable disease highlights ongoing public health challenges and the critical importance of vaccination coverage in community health.
The measles outbreak in Pennsylvania is continuing to grow with 55 new cases confirmed since Wednesday, according to an update from the state health department.
Friday's update brings the total number of measles cases so far this year in the state to 890 across 39 counties. At least 173 people have been hospitalized and four measles-associated deaths have been reported.
Fewer than 1% of the state's cases -- four in total -- are among those who are fully vaccinated with the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine, data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) shows.
The majority of cases are among those between ages 25 and 49, followed by those between ages 18 and 24, according to state health department data.
Lancaster County in southeastern Pennsylvania has recorded the highest number of cases at 359 followed by Mifflin County, in the central part of the state, with 102.
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