All articles tagged with #allegheny county
An unvaccinated minor in Allegheny County has tested positive for measles, marking the county’s first confirmed case of 2026. Health officials identified a potential exposure at a Target store in McCandless on October 1. This local case occurs as Pennsylvania’s statewide outbreak surpasses 1,000 cases, becoming the largest in the U.S. in three decades.
Dr. Idris Evans, a 46-year-old pediatrician, was fatally stabbed in his Pittsburgh home early Thursday morning, while his wife was critically injured. The suspect, 32-year-old Elijah Hemingway, was arrested nearby and now faces additional charges for a sexual assault committed the day before the attack. Investigators are determining if the suspect knew the victim or acted randomly, as the motive remains unclear.
Dr. Idris Evans, a pediatric critical care physician at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, was killed in his Edgewood home early Thursday morning. His wife was critically injured in the attack, which police say involved a suspect who entered through an open window. The suspect, 32-year-old Elijah Hemingway, was arrested nearby and faces homicide and burglary charges.
The Allegheny County Health Department says two measles cases reported at UPMC Children's Hospital on Aug. 27 were not Allegheny County residents and those patients left the area; non-residents are managed by their home counties or the Pennsylvania Department of Health. ACHD will issue community exposure notices if a provider cannot identify all exposed individuals. Exposures occurred in several hospital locations on Aug. 27, and those not vaccinated are at higher risk; individuals potentially exposed should contact their healthcare provider before visiting a facility and should not go in without calling ahead.
In Allegheny County, there is no legal cap on rent increases at lease renewal; Pennsylvania law bars local rent-control ordinances, so Pittsburgh-area landlords can set renewal rents based on market demand as long as they follow the lease terms and notice requirements. Hikes intended as retaliation for tenant actions can be challenged in court. With a tighter market, Pittsburgh rents rose about 3% from 2025 to 2026 (roughly $40–$45 more per month), though legality does not guarantee fairness.
AP live results show U.S. Rep. Summer Lee won the Democratic primary for Congress and will face Republican James Hayes in November, with Allegheny County at about 99% reporting; State Sen. Wayne Fontana won the Democratic nomination for a sixth term; four contested Allegheny County state House primaries advanced (Mayes in 24th, Ferderber in 28th, Altemara in 39th, Bloam in 45th); Pittsburgh voters approved a ballot referendum to allow the city to advertise hearings online when there’s no print newspaper; the county Return Board will be sworn in Friday and the Board of Elections will certify results June 8; write-ins will be tallied for ballots with no names.
Democrats in the Pennsylvania House preserved their 102-seat majority by winning two special elections in Allegheny (42nd District) and Lehigh (22nd District) counties: Jen Mazzocco and Ana Tiburcio won for Democrats, replacing Republicans who vacated the seats. The wins leave three GOP-held seats still to be filled later this year, keeping the chamber at 102-98 until those elections occur. Additional special elections are scheduled in March to fill unexpired terms for Schmitt and Ecker and a May primary for Seth Grove’s seat, with George Margetas listed as the sole candidate for the 196th District race.
Allegheny County is using wastewater testing to track the presence of drugs like fentanyl, xylazine, and others, providing public health officials with valuable data to respond to evolving drug trends and inform funding and treatment strategies. The testing, conducted by Biobot Analytics, offers an additional layer of insight alongside other data sources, helping to address the complex and changing drug supply in the region.
Cases of anaplasmosis, a tick-borne disease, have increased significantly in Allegheny County, rising over 50% in 2025 with a 384% increase since 2019, highlighting the need for increased awareness, prevention, and early diagnosis to mitigate long-term health impacts.
A power outage affecting around 2,000 residents in Allegheny County was caused by wire damage and was resolved by evening, with investigations ongoing into the cause.
A lottery ticket worth $770,000 was sold at a Giant Eagle in Allegheny County, matching all five numbers in the Cash 5 with Quick Cash game, marking the latest jackpot win in the area amid recent big wins.
Allegheny County has confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus in 2025, with the individual from Plum borough experiencing symptoms in mid-July and now recovering at home. The health department has increased surveillance and is investigating the case.
Allegheny County has issued its first-ever 'Code Red' Heat Advisory due to an impending heat wave expected to break temperature records, prompting increased cooling center operations and safety measures to protect vulnerable populations from extreme heat and high ozone levels.
Overdose deaths among Black residents in Allegheny County have surged since 2018, with rates now more than triple those of white residents, largely due to the presence of fentanyl in the drug supply. The county is addressing these racial disparities through community outreach, provider training, and initiatives like the Connect, Protect and Recover campaign. Organizations such as Pathway to Care and Recovery are pivotal in offering free, 24/7 support and fostering trust within the community. Efforts are ongoing to improve access to treatment and reduce stigma, supported by opioid settlement funds.
A person in Baldwin Borough, Allegheny County, has been hospitalized with West Nile virus, marking the first human case in the county and Pennsylvania for 2024. The individual experienced fever and weakness. The CDC notes that most infected people do not develop symptoms and typically recover on their own.