HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA / RankWire.AI / – According to the latest update on the outbreak, Pennsylvania has documented 943 measles cases spanning 39 counties in 2026. The Pennsylvania Department of Health has recorded 176 hospitalizations and five deaths related to measles through September 30. The recent report indicates an addition of 40 cases since September 28, highlighting ongoing transmission throughout the state. Officials monitor the situation, including cases, hospitalizations, fatalities, vaccination status, and impacted 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, although specific personal details have not been released to protect privacy. The state classifies this as a measles-associated death under its reporting standards. To date, Pennsylvania has recorded five such fatalities during the 2026 outbreak. This latest 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 of the 943 confirmed cases involved individuals who had been appropriately vaccinated for their age, accounting for less than 1% of all cases. These four patients include three adults and one child from Centre, Jefferson, Lancaster, and Lycoming counties. Health officials have urged residents lacking documented immunity to consult a healthcare provider or pharmacist about receiving the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Vaccination Efforts Increase Throughout Pennsylvania
During the course of the outbreak, vaccination activity has notably ramped up, with Pennsylvania healthcare providers administering over 53,000 doses of the MMR vaccine in September, a significant rise from the roughly 25,000 doses typically given in a standard month. In August, providers administered more than 49,000 doses, and since late April when the outbreak began, over 5,500 doses have been delivered at 180 pop-up clinics. Additionally, department nurses have administered more than 8,500 MMR doses through various pop-up clinics and state health centers during 2026.
The MMR vaccine is effective against measles, mumps, and rubella, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stating that two doses provide 97% protection, while a single dose offers 93% efficacy. Pennsylvania officials note that individuals with two documented doses do not require a booster for routine immunity, but adults with only one dose or those unable to locate their vaccination records should seek guidance from a healthcare professional. Access to vaccines is available through providers, health departments, state health centers, and participating community programs.
Measles Cases Are Increasing Nationwide
Measles transmits via the air when an infected individual breathes, coughs, or sneezes, with the virus remaining infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours. Symptoms usually start with fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed several days later by a rash that begins on the head and spreads downward. The incubation period can range from seven to 21 days after exposure, and individuals can spread the virus before the rash appears.
The Pennsylvania outbreak is part of a broader increase in U.S. measles activity during 2026. As of September 24, the CDC confirmed 3,659 cases nationwide, involving cases across 47 reporting jurisdictions and among international visitors. The agency reported that 95% of these confirmed cases are linked to outbreaks. In comparison, the U.S. saw 2,289 confirmed cases throughout 2025. The CDC emphasizes that measles remains highly contagious and highlights that the United States eliminated continuous domestic transmission in 2000. Pennsylvania provides separate state figures due to differing federal and state reporting schedules.