Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Mar 03, 2025 10 hours, 38 minutes ago
U.S. Medical News: The United States is experiencing a concerning rise in measles cases, with Pennsylvania now becoming the 11th state to confirm an infection in 2025. Previously, the outbreak had been reported in Alaska, California, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, Washington, and Texas.
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/measles-now-found-in-ten-states-across-america-including-new-york-new-jersey-new-mexico-california-kentucky-and-georgia
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Pennsylvania Becomes the 11th State in America to Report Measles Cases in 2025
The surge in cases has raised serious concerns among health officials, especially as vaccination rates have declined in recent years. As of February 28, there were 174 confirmed cases across the ten affected states before Pennsylvania's addition. Texas has been hit the hardest, recording at least 146 cases, including one fatality.
First Measles Case Confirmed in Pennsylvania
On Sunday, the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Public Health (OPH) confirmed the state's first measles case of the year. The infected individual is an unvaccinated child from Montgomery County. Officials have launched an investigation and initiated contact tracing to identify and notify individuals who may have been exposed to the virus.
https://www.montgomerycountypa.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=4649
Health authorities have urged anyone who might have been in contact with the infected child to check their vaccination records and watch for symptoms. The child reportedly visited several public locations while contagious, raising concerns about possible exposure. This
U.S. Medical News report highlights the locations the patient visited, including:
-February 25-26: China Airlines Airport Shuttle Bus from JFK Airport Terminal 4 to North Philadelphia.
-February 26: True North Pediatrics Associates in Plymouth Meeting.
-February 26: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) King of Prussia Campus Emergency Department.
Officials are advising people who were present at these locations during the specified times to monitor their health, ensure their immunization status is up to date, and seek medical attention if they develop symptoms.
What is Measles and Why is it Dangerous?
Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing. It can cause serious complications, including pneumonia, brain infections, deafness, and in severe cases, death. Health experts stress that the best way to prevent measles is through the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is
both safe and highly effective.
Symptoms of measles usually appear one to two weeks after exposure and include:
-High fever
-Red, watery eyes
-Runny nose
-Cough
-A rash of red spots that starts on the face and spreads across the body
A Growing Nationwide Concern
The current measles outbreak has been growing across the country, with states reporting new cases every week. Texas is currently experiencing its worst measles outbreak in 30 years, with over 146 confirmed cases and one child fatality. In neighboring New Jersey, at least one case was confirmed in February. Health officials fear that if vaccination rates do not improve, the outbreak could continue to spread rapidly.
Pennsylvania officials are now working to contain the spread of the disease by increasing public awareness and encouraging vaccination. The Montgomery County Office of Public Health has emphasized the importance of immunization and is urging parents to ensure their children receive the MMR vaccine. The vaccine is widely available at healthcare providers and pharmacies throughout the state.
Conclusion
The measles outbreak in the United States is a growing public health concern, and Pennsylvania’s confirmation of its first case in 2025 adds to the alarm. With vaccination rates declining in recent years, health experts warn that outbreaks may continue unless more people get vaccinated. The MMR vaccine is a proven safeguard against measles, preventing severe complications and stopping the spread of the disease. Officials urge anyone who may have been exposed to the virus to monitor their symptoms and seek medical advice if needed. As cases continue to rise nationwide, it is essential for communities to remain vigilant, prioritize public health measures, and support immunization efforts to prevent further spread.
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