HARRISBURG, Pa. – The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) announced today that a total of 624 measles cases have been confirmed across 37 counties this year. The outbreak, which began in late April, has resulted in 109 hospitalizations and two deaths linked to the virus.
Current Numbers and Trends
Since September 8, the DOH recorded 30 new positive cases. While daily totals rise and fall, the agency says tracking these figures gives Pennsylvanians and health‑care providers clear visibility into community transmission throughout the Commonwealth.
Vaccination Efforts
In response, the state has launched more than 120 pop‑up vaccination clinics, delivering over 4,100 MMR doses since the outbreak started. Overall, state health‑center staff have administered more than 6,200 MMR vaccine doses this year.
Health‑care providers report a surge in demand. In a typical month, Pennsylvania providers give roughly 25,000 MMR shots. In August alone, that number jumped to over 46,000 doses across the Commonwealth.
How to Get Vaccinated
Residents who want the MMR vaccine should contact their trusted health‑care provider, county or municipal health department, the DOH State Health Center, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), or the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. The vaccine is widely available throughout the state.
Understanding Measles
Measles is a highly contagious virus that can cause serious short‑ and long‑term health problems, including pneumonia and brain swelling. Approximately one in five reported cases require hospitalization, and death occurs in roughly one to three per 1,000 cases.
The virus spreads when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. It can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after the infected individual leaves the area. Early symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis), followed by a rash that starts on the head and spreads downward. Symptoms typically appear seven to 21 days after exposure.
What Residents Should Do
Anyone who believes they have been exposed to measles or who is experiencing symptoms should contact their health‑care provider promptly or call the DOH toll‑free hotline at 877‑PA‑HEALTH (877‑724‑3258). Early medical attention can help prevent complications and limit further spread.
Resources
For up‑to‑date case counts, hospitalizations, deaths, and vaccination clinic locations, Pennsylvanians can visit the DOH’s measles dashboard at pa.gov/measles.
The DOH emphasizes that fact‑based information and timely vaccination remain the most effective tools to protect families and communities from this preventable disease.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
