Pennsylvania’s health department issued a health alert Monday as measles cases in pregnancy and congenital measles have surged. Before this outbreak, congenital measles cases hadn’t been seen in decades, largely due to the success of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Now, with vaccination rates slipping nationwide, the virus is spreading rapidly through under-vaccinated communities.
As of October 19, Pennsylvania had reported 1,286 measles cases this year across 42 counties. Of those, 247 have been hospitalized, and six people have reportedly died, though the latest death remains under investigation. The 19th reported 53 cases of measles during pregnancy, including at least one congenital case that led to the death of a newborn baby boy immediately after birth.
Pregnant people who are unvaccinated or lack prior infection face higher risks of hospitalization, pneumonia, oxygen support, and death. Measles during pregnancy also raises the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, low birth weight, and preterm labor. Since the MMR vaccine is not recommended during pregnancy, exposed individuals are advised to receive intravenous immunoglobulin within six days of exposure.
The health department did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Ars Technica.
Source: Ars Technica · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing