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Pennsylvania Measles Cases Top 1,300 With Five Deaths

By Drooid · Oct 24, 2026, 12:12 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Pennsylvania Reports Measles

Pennsylvania health officials report over 1,300 measles cases and five deaths this year.
The outbreak caused 247 hospitalizations and a pending sixth death in Franklin County.
CDC dispatched a disease-detective from its Epi-Aid program to assess the situation.
Researchers say measles mortality appears 1.5 to 5 times higher than typical rates.
Over 56,000 MMR doses were given in September, 39,000 in October, and 96% of cases are unvaccinated.

Summary

Pennsylvania Officials Warn

Pennsylvania health officials warned doctors about rising measles cases in pregnant women and first congenital cases in decades.
Sixty-six pregnant women have been diagnosed with measles since the outbreak began in April.
State law bars releasing pregnancy outcome details, hiding miscarriage and congenital infection numbers.
Non-immune pregnant women and newborns may receive immunoglobulin within six days of measles exposure.

Summary

U.S. Threatens Elimination

The United States risks losing measles elimination status as the outbreak expands.
PAHO reported Canada lost its continental Americas elimination status after a 2024 outbreak.
PAHO warned Mexico and Bolivia could be reassessed for possible status loss.
Dr. Daniel Salas said a measles genotype circulating over 12 months triggers elimination removal.
Experts linked the Canadian strain genetically to cases in U.S. Mennonite communities.

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Pennsylvania Reports Measles

Pennsylvania health officials report over 1,300 measles cases and five deaths this year.
The outbreak caused 247 hospitalizations and a pending sixth death in Franklin County.
CDC dispatched a disease-detective from its Epi-Aid program to assess the situation.
Researchers say measles mortality appears 1.5 to 5 times higher than typical rates.
Over 56,000 MMR doses were given in September, 39,000 in October, and 96% of cases are unvaccinated.

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