Measles, once nearly wiped out in the U.S., is coming back. More people—both children and adults—are falling ill with the virus, including 16 confirmed cases in Pennsylvania last year and six so far this year.
Health experts link this surge to fewer parents vaccinating their children. The COVID-19 pandemic pushed many families away from routine checkups, and misinformation about vaccines has spread, causing fear and hesitance.
Dr. Stanley Martin, an infectious disease specialist, believes it’s only a matter of time before measles hits more areas in Pennsylvania. Hospitals are preparing for this possibility. “We all expect to see measles in our area,” he says.
Recent data shows a troubling national trend. In 2025, the U.S. reported 2,267 measles cases, the highest in over 30 years, with 982 cases already confirmed this year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasizes that getting vaccinated is the best way to immunity. Children should have two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine—one at 12-15 months and another at ages four to six.
Unfortunately, vaccination rates have dropped since 2020. According to a study by Johns Hopkins University, the average vaccination rate fell from 93.9% pre-pandemic to 91.3% post-pandemic. In Pennsylvania, the rate is currently 94%, which is below the 95% threshold needed to maintain herd immunity.
Dr. Jennifer Janco, a pediatric expert, urges parents to discuss any hesitations about vaccines with their doctors. “Too many people are listening to the wrong voices instead of their medical professionals,” she says. “This vaccine is safe and effective.”
Local statistics show some bright spots. In Schuylkill County, for example, 95.4% of kindergarteners have received both doses of the MMR vaccine. This is promising, but the rates among younger children indicate a troubling trend that could leave them vulnerable.
The seriousness of measles should not be underestimated. Dr. Janco recalls a severe outbreak in Philadelphia in the early ’90s that resulted in 1,500 cases and six deaths, with lasting effects on many survivors.
As spring approaches, more gatherings will likely increase the risk of spreading measles. Dr. Tibisay Villalobos, an infectious disease specialist at Jefferson Health, notes that hospitals are ready for potential cases by isolating patients who might have measles to prevent further spread.
In the past, most measles cases stemmed from unvaccinated people traveling to areas with ongoing outbreaks. But as cases rise nationally, there’s a growing chance of outbreaks among those who are not immune here at home.
Health departments are working hard to share accurate information and encourage vaccinations. “Vaccines protect not just individual children but the entire community,” Martin emphasizes.
In summary, measles is making a comeback, and vaccination is our strongest defense. Engaging with healthcare professionals can help clarify doubts about vaccines, and staying informed is crucial to keeping our communities safe. For more information on vaccination and measles, visit the CDC’s Measles page.
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