Pennsylvania's health department issued a public alert Monday as cases of congenital measles have continued to increase, the first such cases seen in decades. The outbreak has resulted in 1,286 confirmed cases across 42 counties with 247 hospitalizations and at least six deaths, including one newborn. Officials warn that slipping vaccination rates nationwide are allowing the highly infectious virus to re-establish footholds in communities.
Background
Measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000 due to high vaccination coverage, but recent years have seen resurgences in under-vaccinated communities. Congenital measles — where the virus crosses the placenta and infects the fetus — is extremely rare in vaccinated populations but devastating when it occurs.
- Source
- Ars Technica
- Published
- Oct 20, 2026 at 06:44 AM
- Score
- 8.0 / 10