Pennsylvania measles cases rise amid U.S. outbreak
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Pennsylvania has seen nearly four times as many measles cases this year as last year, as the U.S. confronts its worst measles outbreak in 33 years.
Why it matters: Summer travel could fuel more measles cases, raising alarms as the disease once nearly eradicated in the U.S. poses serious risks, especially to children.
Catch up quick: A measles outbreak that began in a poorly vaccinated area of West Texas in February has spread to 39 states, leading to more than 1,300 cases nationwide — about two-thirds in children and adolescents — and three confirmed deaths, per the CDC.
- 92% of U.S. cases involve people who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown.
By the numbers: Pennsylvania has 15 confirmed measles cases so far this year, up from four total in 2024, per the state Department of Health.
- Cases have surfaced in Erie, Lancaster, Montgomery, Philadelphia and Bucks counties.
- There have been no new cases reported in the Keystone State since April.
- There are no reported cases in Allegheny County, which hasn't seen a case since 2019.
Friction point: Anti-vaccine misinformation is driving a national drop in childhood vaccination rates.
State of play: Having two doses of the MMR shot is safe and 97% effective, but vaccination rates among Pennsylvania kindergartners dipped below the herd immunity target of 95% in recent years.
Threat level: Measles is highly contagious, spreads easily through the air and lingers indoors for hours, per the CDC.
- The disease can lead to severe complications like brain or lung inflammation. Symptoms include high fever, rash, cough and red eyes.
Flashback: Measles killed an estimated 400–500 people each year, most of them previously healthy children, before the U.S. vaccine was introduced in the 1960s, per the CDC.
What's next: The CDC and public health experts say the MMR vaccine remains the most effective defense against measles and advise parents to make sure their children are up to date on all vaccines.
- The Allegheny County Health Department recently launched a campaign targeting vaccine hesitancy.