HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA / RankWire.AI / – As of 2026, Pennsylvania has documented 943 cases of measles across 39 counties, according to the latest update from the state. The Pennsylvania Department of Health reported 176 hospitalizations and five deaths associated with measles through Sept. 30. Since the previous report on Sept. 28, an additional 40 cases have been identified, indicating ongoing spread throughout the state. Monitoring efforts include tracking cases, hospitalizations, fatalities, vaccination status, and affected counties via the state’s measles dashboard.
The department confirmed that the fifth death involved an unvaccinated resident of Lancaster County who tested positive for measles. No further personal details were released to protect privacy. The death is classified as measles-related under Pennsylvania’s reporting guidelines. To date, Pennsylvania has reported five such fatalities during this outbreak in 2026. This latest death has been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as part of the national measles surveillance efforts.
Vaccination data reveal that only four of Pennsylvania’s 943 confirmed cases involved individuals who were properly vaccinated for their age, accounting for less than 1% of total cases. These vaccinated individuals include three adults and one child from Centre, Jefferson, Lancaster, and Lycoming counties. State health authorities are urging residents without documented immunization to consult with healthcare providers or pharmacists regarding measles, mumps, and rubella vaccinations.
Vaccination efforts intensify across Pennsylvania
During the outbreak, vaccination activities have seen a significant rise. In September alone, healthcare providers administered over 53,000 MMR doses, compared to approximately 25,000 doses in a typical month. August saw more than 49,000 doses given. Since the outbreak’s onset in late April, over 5,500 doses have been provided at 180 pop-up clinics. Additionally, state health centers and nurses have delivered more than 8,500 MMR doses through these clinics during 2026.
The MMR vaccine offers protection against measles, mumps, and rubella. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, two doses of MMR are 97% effective in preventing measles, while a single dose offers 93% protection. Pennsylvania officials state 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 vaccination records are advised to discuss vaccination options with a healthcare professional. Access to vaccines is available through providers, health departments, state clinics, and participating community programs.
Measles outbreaks expand across the United States
Measles is transmitted through the air when an infected individual breathes, coughs, or sneezes, with the virus remaining infectious on surfaces and in the air for up to two hours. Symptoms generally start with fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A rash typically appears several days later, beginning on the head and spreading downward. Symptoms can develop between seven and 21 days after exposure. People infected can spread the disease before the rash becomes visible.
This Pennsylvania outbreak occurs amid a broader increase in measles activity across the U.S. During 2026, the CDC confirmed 3,659 cases nationwide, involving cases across 47 jurisdictions and among international travelers. The CDC reports that 95% of these cases are linked to outbreaks. In comparison, the U.S. recorded 2,289 confirmed cases throughout 2025. The CDC emphasizes that measles remains highly contagious and notes the country eliminated continuous domestic transmission in 2000. Pennsylvania reports its figures separately due to differences in state and federal reporting schedules.