Pennsylvania measles cases cross 900 as outbreak grows

Sept 28 (Reuters) - Pennsylvania's ‌measles outbreak ​continued ​to worsen, with 68 new infections reported since Wednesday last week, bringing the total to ‌903 on Monday, health department data showed, ⁠as the state grapples with the worst measles resurgence in decades.

Here ‌are more details:

• According ‌to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, 176 measles patients had been hospitalized, up from 164 reported ​on September 23

• Lancaster County, with the highest number of cases, remains the hardest-hit area in ⁠the state

• Pennsylvania reported four measles-related deaths among unvaccinated residents earlier this ​month, sparking a disagreement between Governor Josh Shapiro and US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy ​Jr. over how many of ‌the fatalities were directly caused by the virus

• Soon after, the Centers for Disease ⁠Control and Prevention said it was reviewing how it classifies measles-related deaths

• The CDC's website now lists one ⁠verified measles death but did not confirm where the death had ​occurred

• The US has recorded 3,659 measles cases this year as of September 24, according to CDC data

• Measles is ‌a highly contagious viral disease that can cause fever, rash and respiratory complications, but ‌can be easily prevented with the measles, mumps ⁠and rubella vaccine — a ‌routine childhood immunization ​that provides 97% protection after two doses

(Reporting by Christy Santhosh in Bengaluru; Editing by Diti ‌Pujara)

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