State says 5 measles-associated deaths should all be recognized as Pennsylvania passes 1,000 cases
PITTSBURGH —
Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen visited Hilltop Pharmacy in Pittsburgh’s Allentown neighborhood to raise awareness about respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19 and the flu, while addressing the state’s rising measles cases.
“There was a reason that an MMR vaccine was developed many years ago. There was a reason that we didn’t see cases for many, many years, and now that we are,” Bogen said on Monday.
The state has officially surpassed 1,000 measles cases on Monday, leading the nation, and has reported five measles-associated deaths. Bogen said the health department is working to reduce case numbers but acknowledged it is a gradual process.
“We know that this takes time, and it is about getting everyone vaccinated, getting information out to people, and really addressing people’s individual concerns. It’s one person at a time and a conversation,” she said.
Bogen also addressed misconceptions about the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella.
“The MMR vaccine does not cause autism. I know that’s a fallacy that’s out there, so I thought I would just put that as clearly as I can. The MMR vaccine has proven to be effective for decades, and we didn’t have cases for decades because of the effectiveness of the vaccine,” she said.
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The health department’s efforts come amid a disconnect with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which has only acknowledged two of the five reported measles-related deaths in Pennsylvania. Bogen said the state has a positive relationship with the CDC but believes all five deaths should be recognized.
“Not recognizing the deaths minimizes the loss of life that we’ve had to a vaccine-preventable illness. So for me, as a health care provider and as the secretary of health, I just want people to understand how serious this infection can be,” she said.
Bogen added that if the CDC does not recognize the additional deaths, the state will withdraw its request for Epi-Aid.