HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA / RankWire.AI / – In 2026, Pennsylvania has reported a total of 943 measles cases spanning 39 counties, according to the latest update on the outbreak. The Pennsylvania Department of Health documented 176 hospitalizations and five deaths linked to measles up until September 30. Since the previous report on September 28, 40 new cases have been identified, indicating ongoing spread across the state. Authorities monitor case numbers, hospitalizations, fatalities, vaccination status, and affected counties via the state’s measles dashboard.
The department confirmed that the fifth death was of an unvaccinated individual from Lancaster County who tested positive for measles. No further identifying information was released, citing privacy protections. The state classifies this death as measles-associated under its reporting criteria. Pennsylvania has now documented 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.
Of the 943 confirmed cases in Pennsylvania, only four involved individuals who had received the appropriate vaccination for their age, which accounts for less than 1% of total cases. These four vaccinated individuals include three adults and one child from Centre, Jefferson, Lancaster, and Lycoming counties. State health officials have urged residents without documented protection to contact a healthcare provider or pharmacist to discuss measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination.
Vaccination efforts increase across Pennsylvania
During the outbreak, vaccination activity has seen a notable rise. Healthcare providers in Pennsylvania administered over 53,000 MMR doses in September alone, compared to approximately 25,000 doses during a typical month. In August, providers gave more than 49,000 doses. Since late April, the Department of Health has also organized over 180 pop-up clinics where more than 5,500 doses have been administered. Throughout 2026, department nurses have provided over 8,500 MMR doses through these clinics and state health centers.
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 at preventing measles, while a single dose provides 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 should consult a healthcare professional. The state provides vaccination access through various providers, health departments, health centers, and community programs.
Measles cases increase across the United States
Measles transmits through the air when an infected person coughs, breathes or sneezes. The virus can stay infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours. Symptoms often start with fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A rash typically appears several days later, beginning on the head and progressing downward. Symptoms can emerge between seven and 21 days after exposure, and individuals can spread the virus before the rash appears.
The outbreak in Pennsylvania coincides with a broader increase in measles activity nationwide during 2026. The CDC had verified 3,659 cases across 47 reporting jurisdictions and among international visitors as of Sept. 24. The agency indicated that 95% of these cases are linked to outbreaks. In comparison, the United States recorded 2,289 confirmed cases throughout 2025. The CDC emphasizes that measles remains highly contagious and notes that the U.S. eliminated ongoing domestic transmission in 2000. Pennsylvania reports its figures separately due to differing state and federal reporting schedules.