HARRISBURG, Pa. —
Pennsylvania reported 43 additional measles cases Friday, bringing the statewide total to 1,260 this year as the federal government prepares to send more resources to help contain the outbreak.
Lancaster and Mifflin counties continue to lead the state in cases. Pennsylvania has associated five deaths with measles this year and is investigating a sixth possible measles-associated death.
Federal government pledges additional support
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said during a visit to Virginia Beach, Virginia, on Thursday that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would send additional help to Pennsylvania.
“This week we finally got the request from Pennsylvania,” Kennedy said. “They were politicizing the outbreak there and didn’t want it, or they didn’t want help from the Trump administration.”
HHS said a CDC “disease detective” was expected to arrive in Pennsylvania this week. The federal government is also providing nearly $4 million in one-time funding to support the state’s measles response through most of 2027.
“The people of Pennsylvania suffered,” Kennedy said. “Now they’ve asked us to come in and help me do that. And I’m confident that will bring that outbreak to a quick close.”
HHS did not specify how the money would be used or what role the disease detective would play in Pennsylvania’s response.
Shapiro defends state and local response
Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro responded to Kennedy’s comments Friday during a visit to Chester County.
“We’re seeing this all across Pennsylvania,” Shapiro said.
Shapiro criticized Kennedy for previously questioning deaths Pennsylvania officials have associated with measles. The governor also praised state and local efforts that resulted in 55,000 vaccinations last month.
“Why? Because people are listening to actual medical experts, not people who are spewing nonsense in Washington, D.C.,” Shapiro said. “And as a result of that, we’re giving ourselves a fighting chance to be able to get through this and protect our citizens and protect our neighbors, protect the people around us.”
HHS said Kennedy and the CDC director recommend the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine as the most effective protection against measles.