HARRISBURG, DAUPHIN CO. (WOLF) — Pennsylvania has confirmed 1,222 measles cases across 42 of the state’s 67 counties so far this year, with adults making up most of the cases, according to state data.
Adults ages 25 to 49 are the largest affected age group, followed by adults ages 18 to 24. About 34% of cases are among people younger than 18, meaning roughly two-thirds are adults.
The cumulative case count climbed through September. Pennsylvania had 12 cases through March, then 540 by Sept. 2, 624 by Sept. 9, 792 by Sept. 21 and 943 by Sept. 30. The total reached 1,222 by Oct. 15.
The state Department of Health reported 86 new cases since Oct. 9, along with 225 hospitalizations and five confirmed measles-associated deaths as of Oct. 14. Four cases — less than 1% of the total — were among vaccinated people.
The department is investigating a recently reported death in Franklin County. It will count the death as measles-associated only if it meets the state’s criteria, including clinical evidence of measles, a positive laboratory test and death within 30 days of symptom onset. The investigation is not included in the current total of five confirmed deaths.
The department has added a weekly epidemic curve to its measles dashboard. It tracks cases by the date a person’s rash began or, when that information is unavailable, the date the case was tested or reported to the state. Health officials say the graph can help show whether transmission is rising, leveling off or declining while accounting for reporting delays.