A confirmed case of measles has been reported in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, marking the first case in the state in 2025. The patient, a child under 5, was seen at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) King of Prussia, according to health officials.
Measles is a highly contagious and potentially deadly virus that can spread through breathing infected air or touching contaminated surfaces. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children under 5, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems are most at risk of severe complications from measles.
The CDC reports that there have been 164 cases of measles across nine states in 2025, with Texas recently announcing a measles-related fatality in an unvaccinated school-age child. US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. initially expressed minimal concern over the rise in cases but later acknowledged the need to end the outbreak as a top priority.
The ongoing outbreaks are largely attributed to low vaccination rates, particularly among parents choosing not to vaccinate their children due to misinformation or other reasons. The Philadelphia Department of Public Health reports that nearly 34% of measles cases involve children under 5, and 48% are between ages 5 and 19.
To prevent the spread of measles, health officials recommend the MMR vaccine, which is highly effective in preventing the disease. Free vaccines are available to all residents at Philadelphia health centers, with walk-in appointments available from Monday to Thursday.
Source: https://www.inquirer.com/health/measles-case-chop-king-of-prussia-20250301.html