Pennsylvania issues alert on congenital measles—something US hasn't seen for decades
Congenital measles can be fatal, and survivors require monitoring for years.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health issued a health alert on Monday due to a surge in measles cases, particularly in pregnant individuals and those resulting in congenital measles. This outbreak marks the first time such cases have been reported in the state in decades, according to the advisory. The alert provided comprehensive clinical guidance for handling measles exposure and cases in both pregnant women and newborns.
Many medical professionals, accustomed to the success of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine for decades, are now facing unprecedented challenges. Nationwide vaccination rates are declining, providing the highly contagious virus with opportunities to infiltrate communities and spread rapidly in under-vaccinated areas, as is currently occurring in Pennsylvania.
As of October 19, the state had documented 1,286 measles cases across 42 counties. Of these, 247 individuals have been hospitalized, and six people have tragically lost their lives, though the most recent death is still under investigation by the state health department before it can be officially included in the tally.
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