HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA / RankWire.AI / – As of 2026, Pennsylvania has documented a total of 943 measles cases spread across 39 counties, according to the latest update from the state’s outbreak report. The Pennsylvania Department of Health reported 176 hospitalizations and five deaths associated with measles through September 30. Since September 28, an additional 40 cases have been identified, indicating persistent transmission throughout the state. Officials are monitoring cases, hospitalizations, fatalities, vaccination status, and affected counties via the state’s measles dashboard.
The department confirmed that the fifth death involved an unvaccinated individual from Lancaster County who tested positive for measles. Privacy protections prevented the release of further identifying information. The state classifies this death as measles-related under its reporting guidelines. Pennsylvania has now recorded five such fatalities during the ongoing outbreak of 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 had been vaccinated appropriately for their age. This accounts for less than 1% of the total confirmed cases. These four vaccinated persons include three adults and one child from Centre, Jefferson, Lancaster, and Lycoming counties. State health officials continue to advise residents lacking documented immunity to consult a healthcare provider or pharmacist about receiving the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine.
Vaccination efforts increase across Pennsylvania
During the outbreak, vaccination activity has notably risen. Healthcare providers in Pennsylvania administered over 53,000 MMR doses in September, more than doubling the typical monthly total of approximately 25,000. In August, providers delivered over 49,000 doses. Additionally, since late April when the outbreak began, department staff have provided more than 5,500 doses at 180 pop-up clinics. Throughout 2026, nurses have administered 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 is 93% effective. Pennsylvania officials emphasize 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 encouraged to discuss vaccination options with a healthcare professional. The state provides access to vaccines through various providers, health departments, clinics, and community programs.
Nationwide rise in measles cases continues in 2026
Measles spreads through the air when an infected individual breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can stay infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours. Symptoms typically start with fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a rash that generally begins on the head and moves downward several days later. The incubation period ranges from seven to 21 days after exposure, and individuals can transmit measles before the rash develops.
The outbreak in Pennsylvania coincides with a broader increase in measles activity across the United States in 2026. The CDC confirmed 3,659 cases nationwide as of September 24, involving cases across 47 reporting jurisdictions and among international travelers. The agency notes that 95% of these confirmed cases are linked to outbreaks. In comparison, the US reported 2,289 confirmed cases throughout 2025. The CDC emphasizes that measles remains highly contagious and that the United States eliminated sustained domestic transmission in 2000. Pennsylvania reports its figures separately due to differing state and federal reporting schedules.