Pennsylvania Grapples with Major Measles Outbreak

Pennsylvania’s Severe Measles Outbreak

Pennsylvania reported its sixth death linked to measles on Friday, marking the worst outbreak of the disease in the state in 35 years. The total number of cases has surpassed 1,100, but experts believe the true number could be much higher. The recent death involved a 39-year-old unvaccinated woman in Franklin County. The coroner attributed her death to “probable acute cardiac event due to possible complications of the measles.”

Governor Josh Shapiro has attributed the decline in measles vaccinations to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. He has been vocal about the safety concerns surrounding vaccinations. Despite this, Shapiro has rejected Kennedy’s offer for assistance, insisting that Pennsylvania has sufficient resources to manage the outbreak.

Local Efforts and Vaccination Rates

Efforts within the state have shown progress. More than 5,700 MMR vaccine doses have been administered at 198 pop-up clinics since the outbreak began in April. Typically, around 25,000 doses are given monthly, but in September, the number surpassed 56,000. These efforts reflect increased interest in vaccination among residents.

CDC Support and Challenges

The Pennsylvania health department has been in continuous contact with the CDC throughout the outbreak. Discussions have centered on effectively utilizing CDC resources. In September, the state began the process to request emergency Epi-Aid, contingent upon the CDC acknowledging all deaths attributed to measles in Pennsylvania. While only two deaths have been formally recognized, federal aid has been requested. The CDC has committed to sending additional support to assist in containing the outbreak.

Healthcare in the Political Arena

An Axios/Ipsos poll found that 43 percent of Americans back the idea of “Medicare for all” as concerns over healthcare costs grow. Support outweighs opposition nearly two-fold. Additionally, there have been significant legal and regulatory actions in the healthcare sector.

CVS Health agreed to pay $315 million to settle allegations they improperly filled prescriptions for opioids. This settlement resolves a lawsuit filed under the False Claims Act by a former CVS employee. Furthermore, the Federal Trade Commission, alongside seven states, aims to penalize Martin Shkreli for violating a lifetime ban from the pharmaceutical industry.

Ongoing Health News

Elsewhere, the Ebola outbreak in Congo has reached 5,000 cases, escalating faster than response efforts. Domestically, there are emerging health concerns in various states, such as a suspected measles outbreak in Rock County, Wisconsin, and changes to children’s autism programs in Texas.