Key facts
- Pennsylvania reported 55 new measles cases between Wednesday and Friday.
- The state has confirmed 890 measles cases across 39 counties this year.
- The outbreak has led to 173 hospitalizations and four measles-associated deaths in Pennsylvania.
- Fewer than 1% of reported cases occurred among vaccinated individuals.
- 31% of the cases are among individuals younger than 18.
- Lancaster county has the highest number of cases with 359.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) announced on Friday that 55 new measles cases had been reported in the state since Wednesday, as officials continue efforts to contain an outbreak that has spread across 39 counties. The DOH stated that 890 measles cases have been confirmed statewide for the year, resulting in 173 hospitalizations and four measles-associated deaths. The department also noted that fewer than 1% of reported cases occurred among vaccinated individuals, and 31% of cases are among those younger than 18. Pennsylvania's Lancaster county has recorded the highest number of cases with 359. State health officials have administered over 5,300 MMR vaccinations at 165 pop-up clinics since the outbreak began in late April, with additional clinics planned. In total, state health center staff have administered more than 7,900 MMR vaccine doses this year, and healthcare providers have seen a surge in interest for vaccinations. The DOH emphasized that the MMR vaccine provides 97% lifetime protection against measles. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had previously ordered its staff not to include two measles-associated deaths reported by Pennsylvania in its national tally while reviewing additional information. Robert F Kennedy Jr, the Trump administration's former health secretary and a vaccine skeptic, has publicly questioned the validity of these deaths on social media.