HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA / RankWire.AI / – According to the latest update on the outbreak, Pennsylvania has identified 943 cases of measles spread across 39 counties in 2026. The Pennsylvania Department of Health documented 176 hospitalizations and five deaths associated with measles through September 30. Since the report on September 28, an additional 40 cases have been reported, indicating ongoing transmission statewide. The department monitors the situation by tracking cases, hospitalizations, fatalities, vaccination status, and affected regions through its measles dashboard.
The department confirmed that the fifth death involved an unvaccinated resident of Lancaster County who tested positive for measles. No further identifying details were released, citing privacy protections. The state classifies this as a measles-related death under its reporting criteria. Pennsylvania has now reported five such fatalities during the 2026 outbreak. This latest death has been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as part of national measles surveillance efforts.
Vaccination records indicate only four of the 943 confirmed cases involved individuals who were properly vaccinated for their age. This accounts for less than 1% of the total cases. The vaccinated group includes three adults and one child from Centre, Jefferson, Lancaster, and Lycoming counties. Officials from the state health department have urged residents without documented immunity to contact a healthcare provider or pharmacist about receiving the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Vaccination efforts intensify across Pennsylvania amid rising cases
During the outbreak, vaccination activity has surged. In September, healthcare providers administered over 53,000 doses of the MMR vaccine, a significant increase from the usual 25,000 doses in a typical month. August saw more than 49,000 doses given. Since the outbreak’s onset in late April, the Pennsylvania Department of Health has also facilitated more than 5,500 doses at 180 pop-up clinics. State health officials and nurses have administered over 8,500 MMR doses through these clinics and health centers in 2026.
The MMR vaccine provides protection against measles, mumps, and rubella. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that two doses of MMR are 97% effective in preventing measles, while a single dose offers 93% protection. Pennsylvania officials note that individuals with two documented doses do not require an additional dose for routine immunity. Adults with only one dose or those unable to find their vaccination records should consult a healthcare provider about vaccination. The state provides access to vaccines through healthcare providers, health departments, state health centers, and community programs participating in vaccination efforts.
Measles cases are increasing nationwide in 2026
Measles transmits through the air when an infected individual breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can stay infectious in the air and on surfaces for as long as two hours. Symptoms typically start with fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A rash usually develops several days later, beginning on the head and spreading downward. The incubation period ranges from seven to 21 days after exposure. Infected individuals can spread the disease even before the rash appears.
The outbreak in Pennsylvania coincides with a broader increase in measles activity across the United States during 2026. As of September 24, the CDC confirmed 3,659 cases nationwide, involving cases from 47 reporting jurisdictions and among international visitors. The CDC reports that 95% of these cases are linked to outbreaks. In 2025, the US recorded 2,289 confirmed cases. The CDC emphasizes that measles remains highly contagious and notes that the United States eliminated sustained domestic transmission in 2000. Pennsylvania’s case figures are reported separately due to differing state and federal reporting schedules.