Measles Claims First U.S. Deaths of 2023 in Pennsylvania

In a grim milestone, Pennsylvania has reported the first two measles deaths in the United States for 2023, both involving unvaccinated individuals from Lancaster County. State health officials confirmed the fatalities on Tuesday, offering condolences to the victims' families but withholding further details.

Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen expressed concern over the public's lack of awareness regarding measles, a disease largely eradicated in the state for over 30 years. With 2,777 cases reported nationwide as of last week, this year marks the worst for measles in the U.S. since 1991.

As vaccination rates decline, the risk of outbreaks increases, particularly in areas like Lancaster County, home to a significant Amish population wary of vaccines. Currently, about 88% of kindergartners in the county have received their measles vaccinations.

Source: www.statnews.com