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Lancaster County

All articles tagged with #lancaster county

Lancaster measles deaths test vaccine rhetoric tied to RFK Jr.
health2 hours ago

Lancaster measles deaths test vaccine rhetoric tied to RFK Jr.

Two unvaccinated Lancaster County residents have died from measles, the first Pennsylvania measles deaths in 35 years, as the state reports 393 confirmed cases and 70 hospitalizations this year. The deaths revive scrutiny of RFK Jr., who in 2021 praised Lancaster’s low vaccine uptake and has long promoted anti-vaccine views; he has not publicly commented on the fatalities, while Pennsylvania’s governor rejected Kennedy’s outreach. Health officials emphasize that the MMR vaccine provides strong protection and helps slow the spread of measles.

Lancaster County measles deaths trigger Pennsylvania vaccine push after 35-year gap
health4 hours ago

Lancaster County measles deaths trigger Pennsylvania vaccine push after 35-year gap

Two unvaccinated Lancaster County residents died from measles, the first measles-associated deaths in Pennsylvania in 35 years, as 393 cases are reported statewide—the most since 1992—prompting Gov. Shapiro to urge vaccination and officials to emphasize the MMR vaccine and herd immunity; no additional details about the deceased were released.

Unvaccinated Pennsylvania residents die from measles, first US 2026 deaths
health11 hours ago

Unvaccinated Pennsylvania residents die from measles, first US 2026 deaths

Two unvaccinated residents in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, have died from measles — the first measles deaths in the United States in 2026 and the first in Pennsylvania in 35 years. Officials say two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective; Pennsylvania has 393 measles cases across 28 counties in 2026, with about 20% of patients hospitalized. The outbreak underscores the ongoing reemergence of measles in the U.S. and the importance of catch-up MMR vaccination, even as vaccine policy debates and misinformation influence public health efforts.

Unvaccinated PA residents die as measles outbreak grows
health17 hours ago

Unvaccinated PA residents die as measles outbreak grows

Two unvaccinated residents in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, have died from measles—the first U.S. fatalities this year and the state’s first in 35 years—as the outbreak expands to 393 confirmed cases with 70 hospitalizations. Officials stress that the MMR vaccine is safe and highly protective (about 97%), while nationwide measles cases total around 2,777 this year, the highest in 35 years, amid rising vaccine exemptions and related policy debates.

Pa. measles outbreak tops 100, reaching York County
health1 month ago

Pa. measles outbreak tops 100, reaching York County

Pennsylvania has surpassed 100 measles cases this year, with 89 tied to a Lebanon County outbreak that has spread to six other counties, Lancaster County serving as the epicenter and York County now affected; officials warn the true case count may be higher due to underreporting as vaccination rates fall, while 20 pop-up clinics have administered 594 MMR doses and 14 hospitalizations have occurred; public health experts caution the U.S. could lose measles elimination status if trends continue.

Distrust and low vaccines threaten Lancaster measles containment
health1 month ago

Distrust and low vaccines threaten Lancaster measles containment

Pennsylvania’s largest measles outbreak in more than three decades is hampered by growing distrust of health professionals and falling vaccination rates, especially in Lancaster County where Amish and Mennonite communities are more likely to skip shots; health officials are tracing cases, urging vaccination, and warning that many infections may be underreported and can lead to serious complications.

Lancaster County measles outbreak spurs warnings about severe adult cases
health2 months ago

Lancaster County measles outbreak spurs warnings about severe adult cases

Lancaster County’s measles outbreak has surpassed 40 cases, with several very ill adults needing hospitalization as doctors warn adults may suffer more severe illness. Most cases involve unvaccinated or vaccination-status-unknown individuals; health officials are expanding vaccine clinics and updating guidelines to vaccinate younger infants. statewide, Pennsylvania has about 84 cases this year, and about 430 people have been vaccinated statewide in the past two months.

Kohl's measles exposure at East Lampeter store triggers health guidance
health2 months ago

Kohl's measles exposure at East Lampeter store triggers health guidance

Lancaster County health officials say a Kohl's employee with measles may have exposed shoppers at the East Lampeter Township store on May 21, 23, 25 and 26. Unvaccinated individuals are urged to contact their healthcare provider if symptomatic and to get vaccinated, as contact tracing continues amid a broader county measles surge; the infected person is no longer contagious and two Ephrata Mennonite School students have recovered.

Strasburg Township guide's death from West Nile virus impacts community
health9 months ago

Strasburg Township guide's death from West Nile virus impacts community

Timothy Wade Talley, a beloved Lancaster County tour guide and photographer, died from West Nile virus at age 70, leaving a lasting impact on his community through his outgoing personality and dedication to sharing Amish culture. His death highlights the ongoing risk of West Nile virus, which is rare but severe, especially for outdoor enthusiasts like him.

Multiple West Nile Virus Cases Reported Across Pennsylvania in 2025
health11 months ago

Multiple West Nile Virus Cases Reported Across Pennsylvania in 2025

A new case of West Nile virus has been reported in Lancaster County, bringing the total to five cases this year. The virus, primarily transmitted by mosquitoes, poses a low risk of human-to-human spread but can cause serious neurological illness in severe cases, especially among older adults and those with certain health conditions. Prevention includes avoiding mosquito bites and eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed.

Measles Exposure Alert Across Central Pennsylvania Counties
health1 year ago

Measles Exposure Alert Across Central Pennsylvania Counties

A visitor from out of state exposed multiple sites in Lancaster County to measles, prompting health warnings and an expected rise in cases. Authorities emphasize the importance of vaccination, especially as local immunization rates are below herd immunity levels, increasing the risk of further spread. Residents are advised to monitor for symptoms and seek vaccination if exposed.