Pennsylvania at the Center of U.S. Measles Outbreaks

Pennsylvania has recorded its sixth measles-related death, marking the state’s worst outbreak of the disease in 35 years. The state has reported more than 1,100 cases, though experts suspect the actual number is higher. The latest fatality was a 39-year-old unvaccinated woman in Franklin County, attributed to probable acute cardiac event due to measles complications.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has criticized Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for contributing to the decline in measles vaccinations and fostering distrust in their safety. Despite Kennedy’s offer of help, Shapiro insisted the state had the resources to manage the outbreak.

Local efforts have shown progress. State health clinics have administered over 5,700 MMR vaccinations at 198 pop-up clinics in affected areas since the outbreak began in late April. In September, more than 56,000 MMR doses were given, a stark increase from the monthly average of 25,000.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health has been in contact with the CDC, discussing optimal resource deployment. The state requested emergency Epi-Aid from the CDC in September, contingent on public acknowledgment of the deaths. While the CDC officially recognized only two deaths, Pennsylvania has formally requested federal aid.

CDC plans to increase support to assist state and local health officials in investigation and outbreak response.

Healthcare Policy Updates

A poll released illustrates that 43% of Americans support “Medicare for all”, outnumbering opposition nearly 2-to-1. Amid rising health cost concerns, a bipartisan majority believes more tax dollars should be spent on health coverage.

CVS Health agreed to a $315 million settlement for lawsuits concerning illegal opioid prescription fillings. The whistleblower case was initiated by a former CVS employee under the False Claims Act.

The FTC and seven state coalition have asked a federal court to penalize Martin Shkreli for violating his lifetime ban from the pharmaceutical industry.

Additional Healthcare News

The Ebola outbreak in Congo has reached 5,000 cases. Government data reveals the outbreak’s spread is surpassing containment efforts in remote areas.

Local & State Healthcare Headlines

• Suspected measles outbreak in Rock County (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
• Texas considers eliminating children’s autism program (Texas Tribune)
• Major Michigan hospitals’ lack of transparency on facility fee collections (Bridge Michigan)

Health News Highlights

• RFK Jr.’s influence stalls bird flu vaccine plans (Politico)
• Peptide injuries sidelined amid push for medical freedom (KFF Health News)
• The Ebola discoverer’s ongoing concerns after 50 years (New York Times)