CDC sends disease detective to Pennsylvania measles outbreak

Pennsylvania records 1,222 measles cases

Pennsylvania has recorded at least 1,222 confirmed measles cases. This total represents the worst measles outbreak in the United States in over three decades.

The state reported 157 new cases in the last week alone. Reports also indicate 225 hospitalizations related to the outbreak.

Discrepancies in measles death toll

Health officials and county coroners have reported six deaths from measles in Pennsylvania since August. The Franklin County coroner reported one of these deaths, involving a 39-year-old Chambersburg woman.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health has confirmed five measles-related deaths, while a sixth death in Franklin County is currently under investigation. The CDC website acknowledges two of these deaths and lists others as under review.

The official CDC measles death count for the year stands at two, which is four fewer than the state's official count. The agency says it will update its data based on new information and relevant reviews.

Political conflict between Kennedy and Shapiro

The deployment of the disease detective follows a public dispute between Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Governor Josh Shapiro. Kennedy and Shapiro have accused each other of politicizing the reporting of measles-related deaths.

Shapiro previously criticized the administration's response to the outbreak as incompetence. Kennedy claimed that Pennsylvania’s measles death toll was fabricated.

HHS representatives stated that Pennsylvania had not been cooperating with the federal agency and had not requested assistance earlier. State officials responded that they were already working closely with CDC staff.

Under the direction of Kennedy, the CDC omitted measles-associated deaths from its data dashboard for weeks. The Trump administration is sending the disease detective to help fight the outbreak, according to reports.

Epi-Aid program provides technical assistance

Pennsylvania requested the assistance of the CDC's Epi-Aid program to provide short-term technical assistance and subject matter expertise. These deployments typically last about one to three weeks.

The state sought help to improve its understanding of case counts, the outbreak's trajectory, the true burden of the disease, and the impact of vaccination efforts. The Pennsylvania Department of Health did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the aid.

About 300 health department staff are working directly with communities around the state. This federal assistance will be complementary to the state's ongoing response.

Federal government provides $4 million in funding

Federal health officials have provided nearly $4 million in one-time funding to support measles response operations in Pennsylvania.

Outbreak centered in Lancaster County

The outbreak is centered in Lancaster County. It has spread across the state, including into Chester County in the Philadelphia suburbs.

Officials emphasize MMR vaccine efficacy

Health officials recommend the MMR vaccine as the most effective way to prevent measles and protect against infection. This recommendation comes from both Kennedy and CDC Director Erica Schwartz.

HHS press secretary Grace Davis Jamison stated that the CDC will continue working closely with Pennsylvania health officials to provide the expertise and support needed to respond to the outbreak and protect public health.

Nationwide measles cases at 35-year high

Nationwide measles cases are at their highest levels in 35 years. Public health officials attribute this resurgence to vaccine hesitancy and misinformation.

More than 4,000 measles infections have been reported in nearly every state in the contiguous U.S. this year, according to CDC data. A case reported by Georgia health officials on Tuesday was tied to the Pennsylvania outbreak.

Six people have died from measles in Pennsylvania in the past three months, including two infants.