Pennsylvania measles cases top 1,000, the largest U.S. outbreak in decades
Pennsylvania confirmed 1,004 measles cases on Monday, the first time any state has passed 1,000 in 35 years. Nearly 200 people have been hospitalized and five have died, all of them unvaccinated. Nationally, the CDC counts 3,887 cases so far this year, the most since 1991.
Pennsylvania's measles outbreak passed 1,000 cases on Monday. The state health department reported 1,004 confirmed cases this year, 106 more than a week earlier, CIDRAP reported. No state has topped 1,000 cases in 35 years. The last time was 1991, when New York City alone confirmed about 2,000.
The toll is heavy: the state counts 198 hospitalizations, a rate near 20%. Five people have died, including two babies, and all five were unvaccinated. More than 99% of the people who got sick had not had the vaccine.
Doctors describe what that looks like up close in hospital wards. Dr. Evan Shirey, a children's infection doctor at Penn State Health in Hershey, told NBC News that dehydration is common in babies and toddlers. Some children get liver infections. Others suffer brain swelling that can leave lasting damage.
Most cases are in Lancaster County, home to about 44,000 Amish residents, NBC reported. This outbreak is also unusual because so many adults are sick. Adults ages 25 to 49 make up the largest group. Only 32% of cases are in children under 18, the state says.
The real number of infections may be much higher. Dr. Paul Offit of Children's Hospital of Philadelphia told CIDRAP that measles kills about one to three of every 1,000 people infected. Five deaths suggest 5,000 or more cases, he said, because many mild cases never reach a doctor.
Shots are rising. Providers gave 53,000 MMR shots in September, the state told CIDRAP. NBC reported 8,843 doses given as part of the state's outbreak response. Next door, Ohio has logged 210 cases and 13 hospitalizations. Dr. John Goldman of UPMC told NBC he expects the outbreak to last "at least another three to six months."
Here's the history: the U.S. declared measles eliminated in 2000. This year's national count, 3,887 cases as of early October, is the highest since 1991, when the country had 9,643. Experts told CIDRAP they expect the U.S. to lose its elimination status next month, when the Pan American Health Organization reviews the spread.
What we know: Pennsylvania has 1,004 confirmed cases, 198 hospitalizations and five deaths this year.
What we don't: How many mild cases went uncounted, and when the outbreak will peak.
Where outlets agree NBC News and CIDRAP both report Pennsylvania's count at 1,004 cases, with 198 hospitalizations and five deaths.
Where they differ NBC News cites 8,843 MMR doses given in the state's outbreak response, while CIDRAP reports 53,000 MMR shots statewide in September, so the pace of new vaccination depends on which count you use.