HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA / RankWire.AI / – In 2026, Pennsylvania has reported a total of 943 confirmed cases of measles across 39 counties. The latest update from the state also details 176 hospitalizations and five deaths linked to measles through Sept. 30. The number of cases has risen by 40 since the update on Sept. 28. The Pennsylvania Department of Health remains vigilant, monitoring infection rates, vaccination coverage, hospital admissions, and fatalities related to the outbreak.
The fifth death associated with measles involved an unvaccinated individual from Lancaster County who tested positive for the virus. Due to privacy protections, state officials did not release additional personal details. All five measles-related fatalities reported in Pennsylvania this year involved individuals who had not received the vaccine. These deaths have been officially documented through public health reporting channels as part of ongoing national surveillance efforts.
Vaccination data indicate that just four of Pennsylvania’s confirmed cases involved individuals who had been vaccinated appropriately for their age. This group includes three adults and one child from Centre, Jefferson, Lancaster, and Lycoming counties. These four cases represent less than 1% of the state’s total confirmed cases. Health officials continue to recommend that unprotected individuals speak with their healthcare provider or pharmacist about getting the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Pennsylvania Experiences Significant Surge in MMR Vaccine Uptake Amid Outbreak
As the outbreak persists, demand for the MMR vaccine has notably increased. Healthcare providers administered more than 53,000 doses in September alone, a sharp rise from the typical 25,000 doses per month. In August, providers administered over 49,000 doses. Since late April, over 5,500 doses have been given at 180 pop-up clinics organized by state health officials.
The MMR vaccine offers protection against measles, mumps, and rubella. According to federal guidelines, two doses provide 97% immunity against measles, while a single dose offers 93%. Generally, individuals with two documented doses do not need additional doses for routine immunity. Adults with uncertain vaccination histories or only one documented dose should consult a healthcare professional to evaluate their protection status.
Measles Cases Continue to Rise Nationally in 2026
Measles transmits through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or breathes. The virus can stay infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours. Typical symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and red or watery eyes. A rash usually appears several days later, often starting on the head. Symptoms can develop anywhere from seven to 21 days after exposure, and individuals can spread measles before the rash becomes visible.
Pennsylvania’s outbreak is part of a broader increase in measles activity across the United States this year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed 3,659 cases nationwide as of Sept. 24. Data from 47 reporting jurisdictions included infections among international visitors. About 95% of these confirmed cases are linked to outbreaks. In comparison, the United States reported 2,289 confirmed measles cases for the entire year of 2025.