Pennsylvania is preparing for a potential surge in measles cases, with public health officials expressing concern that the outbreak could extend beyond its current epicenter. As of last week, the state reported its fifth measles-associated death among 943 confirmed cases across 39 counties.
Context of the Outbreak
The outbreak has emerged amid rising vaccine skepticism in the U.S., influenced by controversial figures such as health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.. Notably, Pennsylvania is one of the few states where most counties lack their own health departments, with only seven out of 67 counties having one. Lancaster County, which does not have its own health department, has reported the highest number of cases at 381, primarily among the Amish community, known for their historically low vaccination rates for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR).
Local Responses
Health officials and community members in Lancaster County are working to establish a local health department to better manage the outbreak. Jeanne Franklin, director of Chester County’s health department, noted that her county, which has the third highest number of cases at 83, is bracing for an influx from Lancaster. She stated:
“"We have a very long border with Lancaster County, and these types of disease don’t care about borders. It’s going to keep going and find a person who isn’t vaccinated."
Franklin emphasized that many Amish individuals are not anti-vaccine but may be unaware of vaccination opportunities or less likely to seek healthcare. She added:
