Measles Outbreaks Come to Pennsylvania and Washington in 2024

According to recent reports out of the states of Pennsylvania and Washington, measles outbreaks have been confirmed in potentially unvaccinated people in 2024.

On January 12, 2024, the Philadelphia Health Department confirmed eight measles cases spanning 2023 and 2024.

Health agencies alerted healthcare providers in the northwest after six measles cases were identified in Clark and Wahkiakum counties in Washington.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that since the United States has such a high measles vaccination rate, most measles cases are related to international travelers.

Last year, ten countries reported over 90% of all measles cases worldwide, led by Yemen and India. 

During 2023, a total of 48 measles cases were reported by twenty U.S. jurisdictions. The CDC did not disclose the vaccination status of the measles cases.

The good news from the CDC is that various measles vaccines (MMR) are available in 2024, generally available at clinics and pharmacies in the U.S.

Furthermore, before heading abroad in 2024, the CDC publishes this digital app to help travelers determine whether or not they need MMR vaccination before departure.