Pennsylvania warns of congenital measles cases amid outbreak

Pennsylvania’s health department alerted doctors to measles infections in pregnant women as the state’s outbreak continues.

Since the outbreak began in April, 66 pregnant women in Pennsylvania have been diagnosed with measles.

Doctors have reported at least six babies born with congenital measles, but the state has not confirmed the number.

Measles during pregnancy can raise the risk of miscarriage, early labor and low birth weight, while affected newborns can develop serious illness or die.

The state has recorded 1,286 measles cases as of Monday, amid a wider outbreak as vaccination rates fall.

Officials say the true number of pregnancy and newborn cases is unclear, partly because some families may not seek conventional medical care and state law limits disclosure of pregnancy outcomes.

Vaccination before pregnancy is the best prevention; pregnant women cannot receive the measles vaccine, but unvaccinated people exposed to measles may receive immunoglobulin within six days.

After giving birth, women can receive the vaccine, which state officials say is safe while breastfeeding.