HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA / RankWire.AI / – In 2026, Pennsylvania has confirmed a total of 943 cases of measles across 39 counties, according to the latest update from the state’s health authorities. The Pennsylvania Department of Health has 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 added, indicating ongoing transmission within the state. Monitoring of cases, hospitalizations, fatalities, vaccination status, and affected regions continues through the state’s measles dashboard.
The department identified the fifth death as an unvaccinated individual from Lancaster County who tested positive for measles. No further personal details have been disclosed to protect privacy. The state officially classifies this death as measles-related under its reporting guidelines. To date, Pennsylvania has recorded five such fatalities during the 2026 outbreak. The death has been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as part of the national measles surveillance efforts.
Vaccination records reveal that only four out of the 943 confirmed cases involve individuals who have received appropriate vaccination for their age, accounting for less than 1% of all cases in the state. These vaccinated individuals include three adults and one child from Centre, Jefferson, Lancaster, and Lycoming counties. State health officials encourage residents without documented immunity to reach out to healthcare providers or pharmacists regarding measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccinations.
Vaccination efforts intensify across Pennsylvania
During the outbreak, vaccination efforts have ramped up significantly. In September alone, healthcare providers administered more than 53,000 doses of the MMR vaccine, compared to a typical monthly total of around 25,000. August saw more than 49,000 doses administered. Additionally, Pennsylvania Department of Health staff have distributed over 5,500 doses at 180 pop-up clinics since late April when the outbreak began. Throughout 2026, department nurses have provided over 8,500 MMR doses through these clinics and at 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 is 93% effective. Pennsylvania officials state that individuals with two documented doses do not require an additional dose for routine protection. Adults with only one dose or those who cannot find vaccination records should consult a healthcare professional for guidance. The state provides vaccine access through various providers, health departments, clinics, and community programs.
Measles activity increases across the United States
Measles transmits through the air when an infected individual breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can remain infectious on surfaces and in the air for up to two hours. Symptoms typically begin with fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A rash generally develops several days later, starting on the head and progressing downward. The incubation period can range from seven to 21 days post-exposure. Infected persons can spread the virus before the rash appears.
This outbreak in Pennsylvania is part of a broader trend of increasing measles cases across the United States during 2026. As of September 24, the CDC confirmed 3,659 cases nationwide, involving 47 reporting jurisdictions and international visitors. The CDC reports that 95% of these cases are linked to outbreaks. In comparison, the U.S. recorded 2,289 confirmed cases in all of 2025. The CDC emphasizes that measles remains highly contagious and notes that the United States eliminated continuous domestic transmission in 2000. Pennsylvania reports its figures separately due to differences between state and federal reporting schedules.