Measles cases rise as CDC lists first measles-related death; Philly doctor recalls 1991 outbreak

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — As measles cases continue to rise nationwide, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has, for the first time, listed a measles-related death on its website.

More than 3,400 measles cases have been confirmed across the country, and Pennsylvania has reported 111 new cases in the past week, bringing the state’s total to 835 cases so far this year.

For some, the growing outbreak is a reminder of Philadelphia’s 1991 measles epidemic, which Dr. Offit described as “a nightmare.”

“It was one of the worst epidemics in the vaccine era,” Offit said.

The last time the U.S. reported 4 measles deaths anywhere was back in 1992.

The outbreak, he said, was severe enough to keep some people away from the city.

“People were scared to come to work in the city. It was a nightmare,” Offit said.

The 1991 outbreak was the last major measles outbreak in Philadelphia.

“(The outbreak) was centered on two churches that refused to vaccinate their children,” he said. “During that time, we had 1,400 cases of measles and 9 deaths.”

Offit, director of the Vaccination Education Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, said he is concerned that people have forgotten how serious measles can be as more individuals choose not to vaccinate.

He also pointed to a discrepancy between federal and state reporting of measles deaths. While the CDC has listed one measles-related death, Pennsylvania’s health department has recorded four deaths in the state alone.

“We know for a fact that four people died of measles in this state, and we also know for a fact that he refuses to record those four deaths on the CDC website,” Offit said, referring to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker said city officials are working closely with public health agencies to address the situation.

“We are monitoring and managing this situation to the best of our ability, working in partnership with our City of Philadelphia health department along with our state department of health,” Parker said.

Offit, who treated patients during the 1991 outbreak, said he hopes the current outbreak does not reach the same level.

“Hopefully it’s a nightmare we don’t have to relive,” he said.

Offit said people born after 1989 are likely to have received two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine. Those born between 1963 and 1989 may have received only one dose and may want to consult their doctor about whether a second dose is recommended.

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