LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. (WHP) — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has begun providing aid to Pennsylvania amid its ongoing measles outbreak.
A CDC Epidemic Intelligence Service officer joined the state’s Department of Health on site Monday to support response efforts, according to a release.
The officer will collaborate with DOH on projecting case trajectories, estimating total disease prevalence and evaluating local immunization efforts.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said he’s confident the CDC will help end the outbreak in Pennsylvania, which has reported more cases than any other state.
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As of Monday, Pennsylvania has reported 1,286 total measles cases across 42 counties. The DOH has confirmed five measles-associated deaths and is investigating a potential sixth death that was reported in Franklin County.
Pregnancy-related guidance
The DOH also released clinical guidance for pregnant women who become infected with measles and newborns with possible measles.
Getting vaccinated before becoming pregnant is the best way to prevent measles and newborn measles, DOH said.
The MMR vaccine should not be administered during pregnancy, and pregnancy should be avoided for 28 days after receiving the vaccine, according to DOH.
Postpartum mothers who are not immune to measles are urged to receive the vaccine to reduce the risk of exposing their infants.