Deadly Measles Outbreak Pennsylvania Community
In short
Pennsylvania is currently facing the largest and deadliest measles outbreak in the United States in over 30 years, with more than 1,300 cases and five deaths reported this year.
In plain words
A massive number of people in Pennsylvania have caught measles recently. The disease is spreading across 43 counties and is causing serious harm, including infections in pregnant women and babies.
A simple example
A pregnant woman in Pennsylvania contracts the virus, leading to a case of congenital measles in her unborn child.
Why it matters
The surge is so large that the United States may lose its official measles-free status. Health officials are also seeing a dangerous rise in infections during pregnancy.
Easy to mix up
Do not confuse this specific outbreak with seasonal flu or other common childhood rashes.
Sources
- Pennsylvania warns of rise in congenital measles and infection during pregnancy
- One US measles outbreak is proving particularly deadly. Here’s why
- Pennsylvania Department of Health Provides Statewide Update on Measles Outbreak as Cases Reach 1,286 in 42 Counties
- CDC sends a ‘disease detective’ to Pennsylvania amid measles outbreak