Cases of measles continue to go up in Pennsylvania, but now the unprecedented outbreak, which began in the eastern part of the state, is slowly making its way toward Western Pennsylvania.
Health officials have just confirmed six measles cases in Northumberland County, just north of Harrisburg, bringing the statewide total this year to 81, the highest number in more than 30 years.
The current outbreak, which started earlier this year, comes as vaccination rates across the state have plummeted.
Measles was declared eliminated in 2000, but due to declining vaccination rates, cases have risen.
According to Harvard University, “Before an effective vaccine was developed in the 1960s, nearly every child in the US got measles. Complications like measles-related pneumonia or hearing loss were common, and 400 to 500 people died each year.”
