The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 4,410 measles cases in the United States on Friday, surpassing last year’s total of 2,289 and marking a sharp rise in infections this year.
Al Jazeera reported that 451 people have been hospitalized nationwide as health officials expand vaccination efforts. PBS NewsHour said Pennsylvania has recorded more than 1,100 cases, including five measles-related deaths and a possible sixth. It also reported that nearly one-fifth of cases involve children under 5 and that 95% are among unvaccinated people. The CDC’s latest count came as health officials and a Pennsylvania pediatric infectious-disease doctor urged vaccination, according to the reports.