HARRISBURG, DAUPHIN CO. (WOLF) — Pennsylvania has confirmed 1,398 measles cases across 44 counties this year, an increase of 38 since Monday, according to the latest state figures. Lancaster County has reported 487 cases, followed by Mifflin County with 198 and Chester County with 93.
The state has recorded 265 hospitalizations and five confirmed measles-associated deaths. The Franklin County coroner has reported a sixth potential measles-associated death, but state officials are investigating whether it meets the state’s criteria.
More than 96% of measles cases nationwide this year involved people who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown. In Pennsylvania’s latest detailed update, fewer than 1% of cases were among vaccinated people.
The Department of Health says about 300 staff members are working with residents, community groups and health care providers on the response. State health center staff have administered about 6,747 MMR vaccinations at 229 pop-up clinics since the outbreak began in late April. Combined, pop-up clinics and state health centers have provided nearly 10,700 doses this year. Dozens of additional clinics are planned.
MMR vaccination rates have risen above the usual pace. Providers administered more than 56,000 doses in September and more than 53,000 during the first three weeks of October, compared with a typical monthly total of about 25,000. The state’s measles response team also meets remotely with CDC staff every other week to review cases, response efforts and public information.