Pa. Health Secretary calls on CDC to acknowledge measles deaths
Dr. Debra Bogen insists on CDC’s public recognition of measles deaths to bolster response.
By MEGAN TROTTER
TribLive
Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen is calling on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to publicly recognize four measles-related deaths connected to the state’s ongoing outbreak.
In a letter addressed to CDC Director Dr. Erica Schwartz, Bogen outlined Pennsylvania’s response to the outbreak.
“The CDC’s choice not to publicly recognize the deaths undermines our response,” Bogen said in the letter. “As you know, collaboration is critical for effective public health response. A trusting relationship between the federal government and state health departments is an essential part of good public health practice and our shared mission to ensure our communities remain healthy and safe.”
The state has requested assistance through the CDC’s Epidemic Intelligence Service/ Epi-Aid program, which provides technical and epidemiologic assistance. However, Bogen said if the CDC does not transparently and accurately communicate information about the deaths, Pennsylvania would rescind its request for Epi-Aid.
“While the CDC Epi-Aid program is an important public health resource, for the program to be valuable to Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak response, I must be able to assure the public health professionals on my team that the resources we are bringing in to assist with their tireless work will not undermine their efforts and will partner with them toward a common goal, including publication of timely, accurate information about the outbreak,” Bogen said in the letter.
The Department of Health has administered more than 4,400 MMR doses at 140 pop-up clinics in affected communities. Statewide, more than 6,800 doses have been administered so far this year.
Nearly 47,000 MMR vaccinations were reported to Pennsylvania’s immunization registry in August, setting a new record. Bogen said vaccination efforts have taken place in churches, fire halls, homes and at community events and auctions, with additional clinics planned.
On Sept. 10, the department shared its detailed epidemiological case definition for a measles-associated death with the CDC and the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE).
“To date, CDC has not raised any questions or concerns about our definition,” Bogen wrote.
Bogen said Pennsylvania has worked closely with CDC professionals throughout the outbreak, holding regular meetings to discuss resources, guidance and outbreak-related issues. Despite these efforts, Bogen said, Pennsylvania continues to report measles cases, hospitalizations and deaths.
Pennsylvania has reported four “measles-associated” deaths so far this year. The four fatalities occurred in Lancaster, Mifflin and Jefferson counties.
As of Sept. 15, Pennsylvania had more confirmed cases of the virus this year than any other state, with more than 300 cases confirmed in three weeks in an outbreak mostly in and around Lancaster County. There has been a significant number of infections in Mifflin, Snyder, and Jefferson counties as well.
