Pennsylvania detects 55 new measles cases in two days — The Guardian

In Pennsylvania, United States, 55 new cases of measles were registered over two days. Since the beginning of the year, 890 cases of infection have been confirmed in 39 counties across the state, The Guardian reports, citing the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

Hospitalizations and deaths

According to the department, the measles outbreak, which began in late April, has led to 173 hospitalizations and four deaths associated with the disease. Less than 1% of registered cases involve people vaccinated against measles. Another 31% of patients are under the age of 18.

The highest number of cases since the beginning of the year was recorded in Lancaster County — 359. The department said it is working with residents, community organizations and medical professionals to contain the spread of the infection and ensure access to reliable information and the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine — MMR.

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Vaccination in the state

Since the outbreak began, 165 temporary vaccination clinics have been organized in affected communities, where more than 5,300 doses of the MMR vaccine were administered. Overall, staff at Pennsylvania state health centers have administered more than 7,900 doses this year. The state also reported growing interest among residents in vaccinations; additional vaccination clinics are scheduled for the coming weeks and months.

Officials stressed that full vaccination is the best protection against measles. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the virus is transmitted through coughing and sneezing and can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left a room. As of September 24, more than 3,659 measles cases had been confirmed in the United States since the beginning of the year.