Pennsylvania measles cases rise to 1,078 as outbreak spreads

Oct 7 (Reuters) – Pennsylvania’s health department on Wednesday reported 145 new measles cases over the past week, bringing the total to 1,078, as the state continues to grapple with a rapidly growing outbreak.

Five Pennsylvania residents have died after contracting the highly contagious disease this year, as cases in the US climb to their highest in more than three decades.

• So far, 207 people with reported measles infections in Pennsylvania have been hospitalized, according to the health department’s website

• Those below 18 years of age accounted for 33% of total cases and less than 1% of patients were fully vaccinated

• Lancaster County remained the hardest-hit, with 401 reported measles infections as of Wednesday

• The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed two measles-related deaths in the country this year, without naming the states

• Last month, the CDC shifted to using mortality data from the National Center for Health Statistics for measles-related deaths, rather than relying on state health departments, a change that has drawn scrutiny

• The CDC has also said it is working with state epidemiologists on a standard definition for measles-related deaths

• As of October 1, the latest federal data available, the US has reported 3,887 measles cases this year

• Measles is a highly contagious viral disease but can be prevented with the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, which is about 97% effective after two doses

(Reporting by Kunal Das in Bengaluru; Editing by Diti Pujara)