Pennsylvania has reported over 1,000 confirmed cases of measles this year, marking the largest outbreak in the state in more than 30 years. This alarming statistic comes as neighboring New York declared a state of emergency due to rising measles rates.
Current Situation
As of Monday, the Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed 1,004 cases of measles, with five residents having died from the disease and 198 hospitalizations reported. Lancaster County, which has significant Amish and Mennonite populations, is the hardest hit, accounting for 391 cases.
The outbreak has escalated over the past three months, particularly affecting individuals in the 24-49 age range. However, these figures are not included in the CDC count due to a dispute between Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. regarding the classification of measles-related fatalities. Shapiro has criticized Kennedy as "incompetent," while Kennedy has questioned whether the fatalities were directly caused by measles.
