00:00Over 1,000 measles cases have been reported this year in Pennsylvania alone,
00:04the largest outbreak in a U.S. state since the early 1990s.
00:07This surge is part of nearly 3,900 cases nationwide,
00:12marking the worst year for measles since 1991.
00:15Neighboring New York declared a month-long disaster emergency to boost vaccination efforts,
00:20especially in rural areas with low immunization rates.
00:24Governor Kathy Hochul said,
00:25no one should get seriously ill or die from a vaccine-preventable disease.
00:30The outbreak began west of Philadelphia in April.
00:33Nearly 200 people have been hospitalized, and five have died,
00:37mostly among unvaccinated individuals.
00:40According to Pennsylvania health officials, vaccine skepticism has grown in the U.S.,
00:45causing coverage to fall below the 95 percent needed to stop outbreaks.
00:50Meanwhile, some public figures continue to promote vaccine alternatives,
00:54despite scientific evidence, complicating efforts to control the disease.
00:59This ongoing challenge shows why the largest outbreak in decades still threatens public health today.
01:04Disclosure.
01:05This video contains stock footage and content created or enhanced using AI-assisted tools.
