US Measles Cases Reach Highest Level Since 1991 as Pennsylvania Races to Vaccinate Residents

Measles was declared eliminated from the United States in 2000 after years of high vaccination rates. But vaccination rates have declined in recent years, exemptions have reached record highs and misinformation from anti-vaccine activists—including current U.S. Secretary of Health Robert F. Kennedy Jr.—has helped fuel the virus’s return.

CDC reports at least 3,659 measles cases

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recorded at least 3,659 measles cases this year—more than were reported last year and the highest total since 1991.

Under President Kennedy’s influence, the CDC resisted reporting the number of deaths in Pennsylvania and changed the criteria used to determine what would be considered a measles death. The agency is currently reporting only two deaths, although it remains unclear which deaths were counted.

Pennsylvania expands measles vaccination efforts

Health officials in Pennsylvania are rushing to vaccinate residents amid a deadly outbreak. State nurses have administered more than 8,500 doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine this year, including more than 5,500 doses at pop-up clinics in areas affected by the outbreak, according to the state health department.

“The best protection against measles remains full vaccination,” the health department reiterated on Wednesday. “The MMR vaccine is administered in two doses and strengthens a person’s immune system, providing 97 per cent lifetime protection.”