HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA / RankWire.AI / – In 2026, Pennsylvania has documented 943 cases of measles spanning 39 counties, according to the latest update from the state’s health authorities. The Pennsylvania Department of Health has noted 176 hospitalizations and five deaths associated with measles through Sept. 30. Since the previous report on Sept. 28, an additional 40 cases have been added, indicating ongoing disease spread throughout the state. The department monitors cases, hospitalizations, fatalities, vaccination status, and affected counties via its measles dashboard.
The department confirmed that the fifth death involved an unvaccinated individual from Lancaster County who tested positive for measles. No further identifying information was disclosed, citing privacy protections. The death is classified by the state as measles-related within its reporting criteria. As part of national surveillance efforts, Pennsylvania reported this latest fatality to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The outbreak has now resulted in five such fatalities within 2026.
Only four of the 943 confirmed cases involve individuals who received appropriate vaccination for their age, representing less than 1% of the total cases. Among these vaccinated individuals, three are adults and one is a child from Centre, Jefferson, Lancaster, and Lycoming counties. The state’s health officials urge residents lacking documented immunity to consult a healthcare provider or pharmacist regarding measles, mumps, and rubella vaccinations.
Enhanced Vaccination Efforts Continue Across Pennsylvania
Vaccination activities have ramped up amid the outbreak. In September, healthcare providers in Pennsylvania administered over 53,000 doses of the MMR vaccine, a sharp increase from the typical monthly figure of approximately 25,000. August saw more than 49,000 doses given. Since late April, over 5,500 doses have been delivered at 180 pop-up clinics, and during 2026, department nurses have administered more than 8,500 MMR doses through these clinics and state health centers.
The MMR vaccine shields 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 health officials state that individuals with two documented doses do not need additional shots for routine immunity. Adults with only one dose or those unable to locate their vaccination records should discuss their vaccination needs with a healthcare provider. Vaccines are accessible through providers, health departments, state health centers, and community programs participating in vaccination efforts.
U.S. Experiences Rise in Measles Cases During 2026
Measles transmits through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes, with the virus remaining infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours. Initial symptoms typically include fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a rash usually beginning on the head and spreading downward after several days. Symptoms can develop between seven and 21 days post-exposure, and individuals can spread measles before the rash appears.
This outbreak in Pennsylvania is part of a broader increase in measles activity across the United States during 2026. As of Sept. 24, the CDC confirmed 3,659 cases nationwide, involving cases across 47 reporting jurisdictions and international visitors. The CDC reports that 95% of these cases are linked to outbreaks. The U.S. recorded 2,289 confirmed cases in all of 2025. The CDC emphasizes that measles remains highly contagious, though the country eliminated sustained domestic transmission in 2000. Pennsylvania reports its figures separately due to differing state and federal reporting schedules, highlighting the ongoing national concern.