Pennsylvania has seen nearly four times as many measles cases this year as last year, as the U.S. confronts its worst measles outbreak in 33 years.
Why it matters: Summer travel could fuel more measles cases, raising alarms as the disease once nearly eradicated in the U.S. poses serious risks, especially to children.
Catch up quick: A measles outbreak that began in a poorly vaccinated area of West Texas in February has spread to 39 states, leading to more than 1,300 cases nationwide — about two-thirds in children and adolescents — and three confirmed deaths, per the CDC.
- 92% of U.S. cases involve people who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown.
By the numbers: Pennsylvania has 15 confirmed measles cases so far this year, up from four total in 2024, per the state Department of Health.
- Cases have surfaced in Erie, Lancaster, Montgomery, Philadelphia and Bucks counties.
- There have been no new cases reported in the Keystone State since April.
- There are no reported cases in Allegheny County, which hasn’t seen a case since 2019.
Friction point: Anti-vaccine misinformation is driving a national drop in childhood vaccination rates…