AGP Executive Report

Measles Response: Pennsylvania’s outbreak is nearing 1,300 cases, with new infections reported in Snyder County. The state has accepted CDC help, including a disease investigator and nearly $4 million for its response. Food Safety: Two recalls affect Pennsylvania shoppers: raw cheddar may contain E. coli, and frozen smoked salmon is being recalled over possible Listeria contamination. Don’t eat affected products; return or discard them. Emergency Skills: Allegheny Health Network is teaching students CPR, stroke response, Stop the Bleed and how to use Narcan and EpiPens through a new classroom program. Prescription Costs: Pennsylvania’s attorney general sued insulin makers and pharmacy benefit managers, alleging they colluded to manipulate prices.

Measles Response: Pennsylvania’s outbreak has reached 1,260 cases, with 238 people hospitalized. The state has confirmed five related deaths and is investigating a sixth. The CDC is sending an epidemiologist to help trace the spread and support the response; health officials urge vaccination. Food Safety: A New York dairy recalled one lot of raw mild cheddar distributed in Pennsylvania and six other states after testing found toxin-producing E. coli. No illnesses have been reported. Check the package and discard any recalled cheese. Infant Vaccination: A pediatrician addresses parents’ questions about an early “dose zero” MMR shot for babies under 12 months as measles spreads.

Measles Outbreak: Pennsylvania added 38 cases in its latest update, bringing the 2026 total to 1,260. The CDC is sending a disease investigator to help, as the state reports five confirmed measles-related deaths and investigates a possible sixth. Two new cases were reported in Snyder County. Drug Costs: Pennsylvania’s attorney general sued insulin makers and pharmacy benefit managers, alleging they conspired to inflate prices. Penn Research: A University of Pennsylvania-led team has developed an experimental morphine-based painkiller activated by light. The early-stage approach could offer more targeted pain relief, but it is not an available treatment. Care Access: A contract dispute between Jefferson Health and Independence Blue Cross could leave some patients out of network after Dec. 31.

Measles: Pennsylvania has surpassed 1,200 cases, and health officials are investigating another possible death. The CDC is sending an outbreak specialist as state vaccination clinics and public interest in MMR shots grow. Care and Costs: Jefferson Health’s contract dispute with Independence Blue Cross could leave patients out of network starting Jan. 1. The state attorney general has also sued insulin makers and pharmacy benefit managers, alleging they drove prices sharply higher and burdened people with diabetes. Drug Manufacturing: Merck plans to invest $2.9 billion in its Montgomery County operations, including a new research facility, even as it winds down its Northumberland County plant. Environmental Health: A report found PFAS chemicals in more than 90% of tested Pennsylvania and New Jersey waterways; meanwhile, acid mine drainage has left stretches of the Tioga River largely without aquatic life.

Measles Outbreak: Pennsylvania has surpassed 1,222 cases, and officials are investigating another possible death. The CDC has sent a disease investigator as health leaders urge vaccination. Seasonal Health: Flu is climbing in Allegheny County earlier than usual, with more infections than at this point last year. Infant Care: Allegheny Health Network opened the county’s first breast-milk donation depot at Jefferson Hospital, expanding access to donor milk. Health Care Access: Pennsylvania candidates surveyed support letting nurse practitioners practice independently after three years of physician collaboration; related bills remain stalled in committee. Medical Manufacturing: Merck plans a $2.9 billion expansion of its Pennsylvania vaccine and medicine operations in Montgomery County.

Measles Outbreak: Pennsylvania has reported 1,222 cases, with health officials investigating another possible death. The CDC has sent a disease investigator to assist, while state officials say vaccination rates are rising. Insulin Costs: Attorney General Dave Sunday sued insulin makers and pharmacy benefit managers, alleging a scheme that inflated prices by more than 1,000%. Health Care Workforce: Gov. Josh Shapiro and Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen launched a nurse-shortage assistance program as Reading Hospital plans an expanded emergency department. Women’s Health: A Philadelphia nonprofit opened applications for a program supporting 10 Pennsylvania life-sciences and medical-device startups working to address gaps in women’s care. Public Health: Allentown’s water authority secured $15.44 million to replace about 1,000 lead service lines, and a new report found PFAS in more than 90% of tested Pennsylvania and New Jersey waterways. Care Access: A new federal rule bars states from using federal funds for gender-affirming care for young people, affecting Medicaid and CHIP coverage.

Measles Outbreak: Pennsylvania reports 1,222 cases across 42 counties, 225 hospitalizations and five confirmed deaths; a possible sixth death is under investigation. The CDC is sending an expert to help the state respond, as MMR vaccinations climb and officials say spread appears to be leveling off. Health Care Access: Jefferson Health says some facilities could leave Highmark’s network Jan. 1 if contract talks fail, potentially affecting patients across Philadelphia and the Lehigh Valley. Drug Costs: Pennsylvania’s attorney general is suing drugmakers and pharmacy benefit managers, alleging they colluded to manipulate insulin prices. Health Workforce: Gov. Josh Shapiro and Health Secretary Debra Bogen launched a nurse-shortage assistance program, while Penn Medicine is also introducing high school students to nursing careers. Life Sciences: Merck plans a $2.9 billion investment to expand vaccine and medicine manufacturing in Montgomery County.

Measles Outbreak: Pennsylvania has reported a sixth measles-associated death, a 39-year-old Franklin County woman who was unvaccinated. State officials say cases are steady as vaccination interest grows, and the CDC is sending added support to investigate the outbreak. Insulin Costs: Attorney General Dave Sunday sued major drugmakers and pharmacy benefit managers, alleging they conspired to inflate insulin prices and left patients paying more for essential medication. The companies have not been shown to have violated the law. Nursing Workforce: Gov. Josh Shapiro and Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen launched a nurse-shortage assistance program in Honesdale, aimed at strengthening the state’s health care workforce. Baby Food Safety: A Pennsylvania House bill would require testing baby food made in the state for toxic heavy metals and listing results on labels. It passed 200–3 and now goes to the Senate. Seasonal Wellness: As shorter days arrive, seasonal affective disorder can cause more than the “winter blues,” disrupting daily life and relationships.

Vaping Rules: Pennsylvania can begin enforcing Act 57 on Oct. 19, barring sales of vaping products not on the state’s approved list. Measles Outbreak: Pennsylvania has reported 1,136 cases and six related deaths. Lancaster County leads with 415 cases, while health officials urge people concerned about immunity to contact a provider before visiting a clinic. Georgia officials say a new case there was linked to Pennsylvania’s outbreak. Insulin Costs: Attorney General Dave Sunday is suing insulin makers and pharmacy benefit managers, alleging they colluded to drive prices up by more than 1,000% and burden people with diabetes. Nursing Workforce: Gov. Josh Shapiro launched a student-loan repayment program to help hospitals recruit nurses; statewide vacancy rates average 15%, and Wayne Memorial Hospital reports 25%.

Measles Emergency: Pennsylvania’s outbreak has claimed a sixth life: a 39-year-old unvaccinated Franklin County woman with underlying health conditions died Oct. 10 after a recent infection. State figures recorded 1,136 cases across 41 counties through Oct. 9, with more than 200 hospitalizations. Vaccination Watch: A UPMC Harrisburg infectious-disease specialist calls measles a “canary in the coal mine,” warning that falling vaccination rates could leave communities vulnerable to mumps and rubella, too. Lancaster County’s MMR vaccination rates remain below the 95% level needed to prevent measles spread. Coverage Changes: Pennsylvania’s Medicaid work rules, set to begin in 2027, could affect nearly 700,000 enrollees. Health Investment: GSK plans to invest more than $800 million in its Pennsylvania biologics site, expanding manufacturing and adding 300 jobs. Penn State and state agriculture officials also broke ground on a $65 million Animal Diagnostic Laboratory expansion to strengthen disease detection and public-health protection.

Measles Outbreak: Pennsylvania has reported its sixth measles-associated death, a 39-year-old Franklin County woman with underlying health conditions. The state had 1,136 cases and more than 200 hospitalizations as of last week, with cases reported in 41 counties. Prescription Costs: Pennsylvania and 44 other states are awaiting court approval of settlements with three generic drug makers accused of conspiring to inflate prices and limit competition. The companies have agreed to terms aimed at preventing future violations. Health Industry: GSK plans to invest more than $800 million to expand its Pennsylvania biopharma operations, with the project expected to create 300 jobs. Youth Mental Health: Pennridge families, educators and behavioral-health professionals met to discuss student survey findings on social media, bullying, substance use and mental health.

Measles Emergency: Pennsylvania’s outbreak has reached 1,136 cases, with 219 hospitalizations and five reported deaths, as U.S. cases top 4,000. Oxford Area High School is excluding unvaccinated students and staff for 21 days after an exposure, while Chester County warned of possible exposures at three stores. Drug Manufacturing: GSK plans to invest more than $800 million in Upper Merion facilities for biologics production and research, with more than 300 jobs expected over five years. Insurance Access: Jefferson and Independence Blue Cross are warning patients their contract could expire Dec. 31 without a deal, potentially disrupting care or raising costs for members. Memory and Brain Health: A Philadelphia clinical trial reported an early decline in a brain-damage biomarker among people treated for a rare form of progressive aphasia; clinical results are expected next year. In Chester County, Simpson is also offering families guidance on choosing memory care that supports independence and connection.

Measles Outbreak: Pennsylvania remains the nation’s hardest-hit state as U.S. cases top 4,000. State figures show 1,136 infections across 41 counties, 219 hospitalizations and five deaths; officials say vaccination clinics are drawing more people. Nursing Workforce: Philadelphia-area schools and hospitals are expanding accelerated training and offering loan repayment of up to $65,000 to help ease Pennsylvania’s nursing shortage. Black Lung: Disease rates are surging in Appalachia, including Pennsylvania, while federal enforcement of new coal-mine dust rules is on hold—raising concern about miners’ exposure.

Measles Outbreak: Pennsylvania has the nation’s largest measles outbreak, with more than 1,000 cases and five deaths. In the Philadelphia region, 40% of kindergarten classrooms fell below the 95% vaccination level considered important to limit spread. Health officials say the virus spreads easily and can cause severe illness, especially in young children and pregnant people. Food Safety: At least five people in Pennsylvania have been sickened in a Salmonella outbreak linked to oysters harvested from Virginia’s Little Wicomico River. Virginia has temporarily closed part of the river to shellfish harvesting while officials investigate.

Measles Outbreak: Pennsylvania has surpassed 1,100 cases across 41 counties in its largest outbreak in 35 years. A fifth Pennsylvanian has died, and a Chester County high school closed after a case. Seasonal Health: Flu activity hit its highest mid-September level since 2022, about seven weeks earlier than in the past two seasons. Environmental Health: Anglers were warned not to eat fish from the Wissahickon watershed because of unsafe PFAS levels; the state Senate also advanced a bill to phase out PFAS-containing firefighting foam. Life Sciences: GSK plans to invest more than $800 million to expand its Montgomery County operations, creating over 300 jobs.

Measles Outbreak: Pennsylvania has 1,136 confirmed cases this year, with 219 people hospitalized and five deaths, as U.S. cases reach 4,080. About 95% of cases nationwide involve people who are unvaccinated or whose status is unknown. A Chester County high school closed after a confirmed case. Seasonal Health: Flu activity rose unusually early, with September levels the highest for that time of year since at least 2022. Health officials are reminding Pennsylvanians to consider updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines. Medicare Help: Open enrollment runs Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. Free, unbiased counseling is available through local Area Agencies on Aging to help residents compare coverage and check eligibility for savings programs. Food Safety: Virginia temporarily closed part of the Little Wicomico River to oyster and clam harvesting after a Salmonella outbreak was linked to shellfish harvested there and reported in Pennsylvania. Public Health: The state Senate approved a bill to phase out PFAS-containing firefighting foam, aiming to reduce firefighters’ exposure and limit contamination of soil and water.