Pennsylvania Health Alert on Rising Measles Cases
Pennsylvania’s health department released a health alert on Monday due to a surge in measles cases among pregnant individuals, resulting in an increase in congenital measles. The advisory mentioned that such congenital cases hadn’t been reported in decades until this ongoing outbreak began.
The alert provided comprehensive clinical guidance for handling measles exposures and cases during pregnancy, as well as newborn cases. Many healthcare providers may find themselves unaccustomed to such situations, thanks to years of effective vaccination with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Unfortunately, with vaccination rates declining across the country, the highly contagious virus is managing to establish roots in communities, spreading rapidly in areas with lower vaccination coverage, which is currently the case in Pennsylvania.
As of October 19, the state had recorded 1,286 measles cases this year across 42 counties. Among these, 247 individuals have been hospitalized, and there have been six reported deaths, although the latest death is still pending investigation by the state’s health department before being included in the official count.
The Pennsylvania health department did not promptly respond to a request for additional information. However, a report from The 19th earlier this month indicated that there had been 53 measles cases linked to pregnancy. At least one instance of congenital measles resulted in a fatality; notably, the initial death in the current outbreak involved a newborn baby boy who passed away shortly after birth while his mother was gravely ill with measles.
Concerns About Infection Risks
Pregnant individuals who have not been vaccinated against measles or previously contracted the infection are at risk. Experiencing measles during pregnancy heightens the likelihood of hospitalization, pneumonia, the need for oxygen support or mechanical ventilation, and even death. Additionally, it raises the chances of miscarriage, stillbirth, low birth weight, and preterm labor. The MMR vaccine is not advised for pregnant individuals, as it is a live attenuated vaccine, which could theoretically cause an infection in the fetus. If a pregnant person is exposed to the virus, it’s recommended that they receive intravenous immunoglobulin to help safeguard against infection, provided it is administered within six days of exposure.
