Arabic version: بنسلفانيا تسجل 55 إصابة جديدة بالحصبة

According to The Guardian, Pennsylvania’s department of health reported 55 new measles cases on Friday since Wednesday as officials continued efforts to contain an outbreak spanning dozens of counties. The department said 890 cases had been confirmed in 39 counties so far this year, resulting in 173 hospitalizations and four measles-associated deaths.

State health officials said fewer than 1% of reported cases involved people vaccinated against measles. People younger than 18 account for 31% of cases, according to state data. Lancaster county has recorded the state’s highest total this year, with 359 positive cases.

The department said it has been working with residents, community organizations and healthcare providers to provide fact-based information and access to the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine. Since the outbreak began in late April, state officials said they had administered more than 5,300 MMR vaccinations through 165 pop-up clinics in affected communities. Additional clinics are scheduled in coming weeks and months based on community interest and need.

State health center staff have administered more than 7,900 MMR doses across Pennsylvania this year, while healthcare providers have reported increased interest from residents seeking vaccination. The department said full vaccination remains the best protection and stated that the MMR vaccine provides 97% lifetime protection. The CDC advises that two doses offer the best protection. As of 24 September, more than 3,659 confirmed measles cases had been reported nationally this year, compared with 2,289 for all of 2025.