Pennsylvania issues alert on congenital measles—something US hasn't seen for decades

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has dispatched a disease detective to assist in tackling Pennsylvania's measles outbreak, which has now confirmed 1,222 cases and six measles-related deaths. The county most affected by the outbreak, Lancaster, lacks its own health department, putting the community at a disadvantage in managing the crisis.

The CDC spokesperson stated that the agency will continue working closely with Pennsylvania health officials to provide the necessary expertise and support to contain the outbreak and protect public health. The CDC director, Dr. Erica Schwartz, also recommends the MMR vaccine as the most effective way to prevent measles and protect against infection.

Lancaster county, home to about 8% of the Amish community, has been particularly hard-hit, with the highest number of confirmed cases in the state. The local health department in Lancaster is reportedly struggling to communicate effectively with the public and coordinate a swift response due to the lack of a dedicated health department.

Public health officials in the state have expressed concern about the rising number of measles cases, fearing that the outbreak could spread beyond its current center. As Pennsylvania braces for more measles cases, the CDC's involvement and the release of nearly $4 million in funding are expected to bolster the state's response efforts.