HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania has confirmed 676 measles cases across 37 counties this year, including 124 hospitalizations and two measles-associated deaths, as state health officials expand vaccination efforts against the ongoing outbreak.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health reported 52 new positive cases since Sept. 9. The agency is tracking cases, hospitalizations, deaths, community transmission, and vaccination activity at pa.gov/measles.
Four of the state’s confirmed cases — less than 1% of the total — have occurred among people appropriately vaccinated for their ages. The cases involve three adults and one child from Centre, Jefferson, Lancaster and Lycoming counties, and none were hospitalized.
Two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine are 97% effective at preventing measles infection, according to the department. People who are vaccinated but become infected generally experience milder symptoms and are less likely to develop complications or require hospitalization.
Pennsylvania health officials have administered nearly 4,300 MMR vaccinations at 130 pop-up clinics in affected communities since the outbreak began in late April. Dozens of additional clinics are planned based on community demand.
State health center staff have administered more than 6,300 MMR doses statewide this year, while vaccination activity among other health care providers has also increased. Pennsylvania providers typically administer about 25,000 MMR doses a month, but more than 46,000 were administered in August.
Residents seeking vaccination can contact a health care provider, county or municipal health department, Department of Health State Health Center, Federally Qualified Health Center or Vaccines for Children program.
Measles is highly contagious and can cause pneumonia, brain swelling and other serious complications. Nearly 20% of people who contract the virus are hospitalized, while measles-related deaths occur in an estimated one to three patients per 1,000 cases, according to the department.
The virus spreads when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes and can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for as long as two hours after that person leaves an area.
Symptoms typically begin with fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes, followed by a rash that starts on the head and spreads downward. Symptoms can appear seven to 21 days after exposure.
People who believe they were exposed to measles and are experiencing symptoms should contact a health care provider or call the Department of Health hotline at 877-PA-HEALTH (877-724-3258).
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