Washington County has first confirmed measles case
The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Wednesday added Washington County to the list of counties with confirmed measles cases, bringing the statewide total to 1,317 cases across 43 counties, up 31 cases since its previous update.
So far, the DOH has confirmed five measles-associated deaths – with a sixth under review – amid the largest and deadliest measles outbreak in the United States in 35 years. No cases have been reported in Fayette or Greene counties.
State health officials reported that fewer than 1% of the total cases (four out of 1,317) have occurred in those who are vaccinated.
The DOH said Wednesday the best protection against measles, which had been eradicated for decades, remains getting fully vaccinated, and noted that healthcare providers statewide have seen a surge of interest from people seeking MMR vaccinations.
In a typical month, Pennsylvania healthcare providers administer approximately 25,000 doses of the MMR vaccine. In September, more than 56,000 doses were administered. So far in the first three weeks of October, more than 39,000 MMR vaccines have been administered, the DOH said.
DOH said it is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to respond to the measles outbreak, jointly reviewing cases and outbreak response. Additionally, CDC has sent an epidemic specialist to Pennsylvania to investigate the ongoing outbreak.
Measles-related hospitalizations this year rose to 251 from 247 reported on Monday, according to state health department data.
Residents interested in getting vaccinated should contact their healthcare provider.