The Maplewood Health Department is closely monitoring a major measles outbreak in Pennsylvania, and urging residents to get vaccinated.
“As of Monday [October 5], the measles outbreak in Pennsylvania has reached the largest amount in decades in the United States,” reported Health Officer Candice Davenport. “The current Pennsylvania outbreak is 1,004 cases, 198 hospitalizations, and five deaths. In New York, they have over 100 cases of measles. In New Jersey, we only have one confirmed case of measles, and that was travel related.”
“The U.S. is enjoying its worst year for measles since 1991, with nearly 3,900 reported cases to date, according to the CDC. Most of these cases are due to low vaccination rates, and the bulk of these is in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania,” said Davenport.
“I just want to address [that] the proximity and closeness to New Jersey is really important,” added Davenport. “This is not something that’s just happening in Texas. So we want everyone to be vigilant, because a thousand cases is something we’ve never seen in three decades.”
Mayor Vic De Luca asked, “If someone was traveling through Pennsylvania, what should they worry about?”
From the Maplewood Health Department. October 6, 2026.
“If you’re vaccinated for the measles, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about,” answered Davenport. “I particularly would be cautious if you’re going to an area in Lancaster County and you’re unsure of your vaccination status or you are not vaccinated because of the rampantness of the cases there currently. But if you are vaccinated, the MMR — or measles, mumps and rubella — vaccine is 99% effective.”
“Also having had the measles will, once you get exposed, you would also keep in your immune response,” said Davenport. “So for those who have had measles in the past, that also is effective immune response.”
Deputy Mayor Malia Herman asked if it was recommended to get the measles vaccine again if you were vaccinated as a child but are now an adult.
“If you had the vaccine as a child and you’re working in a healthcare system, or you’re going into an area that’s endemic with measles, they would recommend for you to get a vaccine booster,” said Davenport. “But for any other person, you really wouldn’t have to because your exposure is minimal. That being said, that was when we were thinking that it was practically eradicated and we’re moving closer and closer to not having that status anymore in the United States.”
Herman also asked for guidance on who should receive the COVID vaccine.
Davenport responded, “Anyone over 6 months of age is eligible to get the COVID vaccine.” She noted that you can also get flu and COVID shots at a local pharmacies.
