CDC to send ‘disease detective’ to help tackle Pennsylvania measles outbreak
Summary
Pennsylvania is experiencing a large measles outbreak, with over 1,200 confirmed cases and six deaths. Because Lancaster County lacks its own health department, the CDC is sending a disease expert and nearly $4 million to help manage the situation and support local health efforts.Key Facts
- Pennsylvania has confirmed 1,222 measles cases and six deaths as of October.
- Lancaster County, the outbreak center with more than 415 cases, does not have its own health department.
- The CDC is sending a scientist, called a “disease detective,” to help control the outbreak.
- The CDC released nearly $4 million to assist Pennsylvania’s measles response.
- Lancaster County’s Amish community, about 8% of its population, has historically low vaccination rates.
- The CDC director recommends the MMR vaccine as the best protection against measles.
- Vaccine skepticism, partly influenced by health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is a concern for public health officials.
- Local officials say having a county health department would allow faster and more precise outbreak responses.
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