Pennsylvania's first measles case of 2025: What to know
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The measles virus, paramyxoviridae from the Morbillivirus family, transmission microscopy view. Photo: BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty
Pennsylvania recorded its first measles case of 2025 over the weekend in a Philadelphia suburb.
Why it matters: The case, involving an unvaccinated child in Montgomery County, comes amid falling vaccination rates in the Keystone State and a declining trust in public health institutions.
State of play: Montgomery County health officials were conducting contract tracing as of Monday, per the county's website.
- Officials warned about possible exposure to anyone who visited a handful of locations in North Philly, Plymouth Meeting and King of Prussia at certain times.
- The case is related to international travel and not a domestic outbreak, state Department of Health spokesperson Mark O'Neill tells Axios.
Meanwhile, officials confirmed three measles cases in unvaccinated people in New Jersey as of last week.
Worth noting: Philly has not issued any health alerts about measles as of Monday, per the health department's website.
Flashback: Last winter, a measles outbreak in Philly infected nine mostly unvaccinated individuals, seven of whom were hospitalized.
Zoom out: A measles outbreak is growing in Texas, where at least 140 cases have been identified since late January.
- One unvaccinated child has died.
Nationwide, at least 164 cases were reported across nine states as of Feb. 27, which didn't include the most recent Pennsylvania case.
- Most involved children and teens.
Context: In 2000, the disease was officially eliminated in the U.S. following an effective vaccination program.
- Yes, but: Measles rates have risen again as vaccination rates among kindergarteners have dropped below the target set by the CDC.
- The CDC estimates that vaccination coverage of at least 95% prevents measles outbreaks.
By the numbers: Philly's vaccination rate is at least 93%; the state's is 93.5%.
What they're saying: Katie Lockwood, a doctor at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, tells Axios that she's concerned about future measles outbreaks due to declining vaccination rates.
- While acknowledging that it's unlikely for a child to contract measles outside an outbreak area, Lockwood warned: "We need people to get vaccines."
How can I stay safe?
The best way to protect against measles is to get vaccinated, per the CDC.
- There are two vaccines that protect against measles as well as mumps and rubella — the MMR and MMRV vaccines.
- Those vaccines are for children at least 12 months old and adults, per the CDC.
- Yes, but: Infants 6-11 months old can get a dose of the MMR vaccine before traveling internationally, the CDC recommends.
Who's at risk?
Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease and can cause serious health complications, including death, especially in children under 5.
- Immunocompromised people, unvaccinated people, and vaccinated people who did not develop immunity are at highest risk of infection.
- Pregnant women, adults over 30, immunocompromised people, and young unvaccinated children are at the highest risk of severe complications.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes, and white spots in the mouth.
- Another symptom is a rash, which begins on the face and moves downward to cover the entire body.