Measles cases are spreading in the US this year, with over 1,000 infections reported in Pennsylvania

Health officials in Pennsylvania have reported over 1,000 cases of measles this year, marking the worst outbreak in the United States since the early 1990s, according to the US Center for Disease Control (CDC). Nationwide, the CDC has recorded 3,869 cases, the highest number since 1991. The current outbreak began west of Philadelphia in April, with nearly 200 people hospitalized and five deaths. Almost all of the cases involved unvaccinated individuals, as per the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a month-long state disaster emergency to strengthen efforts to combat measles, with over 100 cases recorded in New York State outside of New York City, 92 of which have been reported in under-immunized rural areas since July 15. The executive order suspends regulations on administering vaccines and allows nurses to order testing, lowering permission barriers.

Measles symptoms include high fever, cough, and rash, and can lead to serious complications, especially in children. Despite being highly contagious, the disease can be prevented with vaccines. However, vaccine skepticism in the US has increased, with more parents opting out of routine vaccinations due to disinformation about vaccine safety.

In 2000, the US had eliminated domestic measles spread with high vaccination rates, but coverage has since fallen below the 95% threshold needed to prevent outbreaks. US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., who has expressed vaccine skepticism not backed by scientific evidence, characterizes vaccinations as a personal choice.

While Kennedy maintains the measles vaccine is the best defense against the infection, he has also advocated unproven alternative treatments like vitamins.