HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA / RankWire.AI / – According to the latest update on the outbreak, Pennsylvania has documented a total of 943 measles cases spanning 39 counties in 2026. The Pennsylvania Department of Health has recorded 176 hospitalizations and five deaths associated with measles through September 30. Since September 28, an additional 40 cases have been added, indicating ongoing transmission across the state. The department continues to monitor cases, hospitalizations, fatalities, vaccination status, and affected counties via the state’s measles dashboard.
The department reported that the fifth death involved an unvaccinated resident of Lancaster County who had tested positive for measles. Privacy protections prevent the release of further identifying details. The state classifies this death as measles-related under its reporting guidelines. During the 2026 outbreak, Pennsylvania has now recorded five such fatalities. This latest death has been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as part of national measles surveillance efforts.
Vaccination records reveal that only four of Pennsylvania’s 943 confirmed cases involved individuals who had received age-appropriate immunizations. This accounts for less than 1% of the total cases. Among these four vaccinated individuals, three are adults and one is a child from Centre, Jefferson, Lancaster, and Lycoming counties. State health officials are urging residents without documented immunity to contact healthcare providers or pharmacists to discuss measles, mumps, and rubella vaccinations.
Vaccine efforts intensify in Pennsylvania
During the outbreak, vaccination activity has seen a notable rise. In September, healthcare providers administered over 53,000 doses of the MMR vaccine, compared to approximately 25,000 in a typical month. August saw more than 49,000 doses given. Since late April, Pennsylvania Department of Health staff have distributed over 5,500 doses at 180 pop-up clinics. Throughout 2026, department nurses have administered more than 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 confirm that individuals with two documented doses do not require another dose for routine immunization. Adults with only one dose or those unable to find their vaccination records should consult a healthcare professional. The state facilitates vaccination through providers, health departments, state health centers, and participating community programs.
Measles cases are rising nationwide in 2026
Measles transmits through the air when an infected individual breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours. Symptoms often begin with fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, with a rash typically appearing several days later, starting on the head and spreading downward. Symptoms may develop from seven to 21 days after exposure, and individuals can spread the virus before the rash manifests.
The outbreak in Pennsylvania coincides with a broader increase in measles activity 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 agency noted that 95% of these cases are linked to outbreaks. In 2025, the United States saw 2,289 confirmed cases. Despite measles being highly contagious, the CDC states that the U.S. eliminated continuous domestic transmission in 2000. Pennsylvania reports its figures separately because of differing federal and state reporting schedules.