{"id":286049,"date":"2026-09-14T22:20:07","date_gmt":"2026-09-14T22:20:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/286049\/"},"modified":"2026-09-14T22:20:07","modified_gmt":"2026-09-14T22:20:07","slug":"public-health-advocate-says-pennsylvania-measles-surge-is-a-warning-sign","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/286049\/","title":{"rendered":"Public health advocate says Pennsylvania measles surge is a warning sign"},"content":{"rendered":"

COATESVILLE, Pa. (WPVI) — The resurgence of measles in Pennsylvania highlights broader concerns about vaccine hesitancy and public trust in medical experts, a local public health advocate says.<\/p>\n

“The numbers are scary; the results are going to be scarier. The reality is, you can die from measles directly; you can also die from complications,” said Kevin Ressler, CEO of Alliance for Health Equity.<\/p>\n

His comments come after the Jefferson County coroner announced the measles-related death<\/a> of a 40-year-old unvaccinated woman who died of complications associated with the disease.<\/p>\n

It’s the third time a measles-related death has been reported in the state.<\/p>\n

As of Monday, the Pennsylvania Department of Health has only confirmed two measles-related deaths, saying it is still reviewing the latest death out of Jefferson County.<\/p>\n

“The Department is in touch with the Jefferson County coroner and appreciates his commitment to keeping the public informed. DOH is actively conducting its own review of the case and will update the public when that investigation is complete,” the department said.<\/p>\n

RELATED: Another measles-related death reported in Pennsylvania as outbreak grows<\/a><\/p>\n

Ressler, whose nonprofit is based in Coatesville, works to improve access to health services.<\/p>\n

He says what we’re seeing is not only a local problem, but a national problem that should be taken seriously.<\/p>\n

“We need to think about measles as a potential harbinger for further issues in the community. Measles is one of many vaccinations in the community people have decided they no longer want their children to take,” said Ressler.<\/p>\n

In 2025, Pennsylvania recorded 15 confirmed measles cases. So far this year, 693 cases have been reported in 38 counties.<\/p>\n

There have been 17 new measles cases since Friday.<\/p>\n

“The reality is, the public health sector can be better about its communication, but also, we have to be able to continue to trust experts,” said Ressler.<\/p>\n

Ressler says vaccine hesitancy is a big reason we’re seeing more cases, but says there are decades of evidence that the vaccine is safe.<\/p>\n

“There’s a whole lot of political stuff going on, but one of the things being missed is that people are playing games with language because they care more about politics than they care about the lives of people in the community. That’s absolutely unacceptable, regardless of what political side you stand,” said Ressler.<\/p>\n

RELATED: Gov. Shapiro, Sec. Kennedy have war of words following measles-related deaths in Pennsylvania<\/a><\/p>\n

Nationwide cases have reportedly topped 3,000.<\/p>\n

Measles is a highly contagious virus that can cause serious short- and long-term health problems, including pneumonia and brain swelling.<\/p>\n

Measles spreads when a person who is infected breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus remains infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after the person with the infection leaves the area.<\/p>\n

Symptoms begin with fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis), followed by a rash that starts on the head and spreads downward.<\/p>\n

Health officials say the vaccine is 97 percent effective at preventing measles after two doses.<\/p>\n

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