Pennsylvania issues alert on congenital measles—something US hasn’t seen for decades

Pennsylvania has issued a health alert as measles infections during pregnancy and congenital measles cases rise amid an ongoing outbreak. The cases are a rare consequence of falling vaccination rates: congenital measles had not been reported in the United States for decades, leaving many clinicians unfamiliar with it.

By 19 October, the state had recorded 1,286 measles cases across 42 counties, with 247 hospitalisations and six reported deaths; one newborn’s death was linked to congenital measles. Infection during pregnancy can cause serious illness and pregnancy complications, while a baby infected before or around birth may develop severe disease or long-term immune and neurological problems. The alert provides clinical guidance, including prompt intravenous immunoglobulin after exposure and long-term monitoring for affected babies.