Arabic version: تفشّي الحصبة في بنسلفانيا يضرب مجتمعات الأميش
According to ABC News, Pennsylvania is facing its largest measles outbreak in more than three decades, with more than 1,300 cases reported since late April and at least six deaths.
The outbreak has heavily affected Amish communities, where low vaccination rates remain a major challenge for health authorities. At least five of those who died were from Amish communities, local media reported. The deaths included two infants, one a newborn, as well as residents of Lancaster, Mifflin, Jefferson and Franklin counties. Pennsylvania’s Health Department said none of the victims was vaccinated.
People aged 18 to 49 account for about 800 cases, while at least 251 people — about one in five — have been hospitalised. Officials say the disease began west of Philadelphia before spreading across the state. In neighbouring Chester County, 93 cases have been reported this year, though public health director Jeanne Franklin said unreported infections were a concern.
Health departments have undertaken door-to-door and community outreach, using trusted local businesses, churches and food pantries to share vaccination information. Pennsylvania’s Health Department said at least 6,500 MMR vaccines had been administered at 226 pop-up clinics in affected communities since April.
The crisis has also intensified a dispute between Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro and Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. After Pennsylvania’s first two deaths, Mr Kennedy suggested the deaths may have been fabricated, while Mr Shapiro said misinformation had undermined efforts to increase protection against measles. The CDC has said US vaccination rates have fallen below the 95 per cent coverage needed to prevent outbreaks.
