HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA / RankWire.AI / – As of 2026, Pennsylvania has documented a total of 943 measles cases spread across 39 counties, according to the state’s latest outbreak report. The Pennsylvania Department of Health has reported 176 hospitalizations and five deaths linked to measles through September 30. Since the last update on September 28, an additional 40 cases have been identified, indicating ongoing transmission statewide. The department monitors cases, hospitalizations, fatalities, vaccination status, and affected regions through its measles dashboard.
The department confirmed that the fifth death involved an unvaccinated resident of Lancaster County who tested positive for measles. No further identifying details were released, citing privacy protections. The death is classified as measles-related according to the state’s reporting criteria. Pennsylvania has now recorded five such fatalities during the current outbreak in 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 indicate that only four of Pennsylvania’s 943 confirmed cases involved individuals who were appropriately vaccinated for their age, accounting for less than 1% of total cases. These four vaccinated individuals include three adults and one child from Centre, Jefferson, Lancaster, and Lycoming counties. State health officials have urged residents lacking documented immunity to reach out to healthcare providers or pharmacists regarding measles, mumps, and rubella vaccinations.
Increase in Vaccination Campaigns Throughout Pennsylvania
Vaccination efforts have intensified amid the outbreak. During September, healthcare providers in Pennsylvania administered over 53,000 MMR doses, a significant rise from the typical monthly total of about 25,000. In August, more than 49,000 doses were administered. Since the outbreak began in late April, department staff have also delivered over 5,500 doses at 180 pop-up clinics. Throughout 2026, 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. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that two doses of MMR are 97% effective at preventing measles, while a single dose provides about 93% protection. According to Pennsylvania health officials, individuals with two documented doses generally do not require an additional shot for routine immunity. Adults with only one dose or those unable to find their vaccination records are encouraged to consult with healthcare professionals. Vaccination is accessible through providers, health departments, state clinics, and community programs participating in the initiative.
National Rise in Measles Cases in the United States
Measles spreads via 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. A rash usually appears several days later, beginning on the head and spreading downward. The incubation period ranges from seven to 21 days after exposure. People infected can transmit measles before the rash becomes visible.
The Pennsylvania outbreak is part of a broader increase in measles activity across the U.S. during 2026. The CDC confirmed 3,659 cases nationwide as of Sept. 24, involving cases in 47 reporting jurisdictions and among international travelers. The agency reports that 95% of these cases are linked to outbreaks. In 2025, the U.S. recorded 2,289 confirmed cases over the entire year. The CDC emphasizes that measles remains highly contagious, though the country eliminated sustained domestic transmission in 2000. Pennsylvania provides separate state figures due to differing reporting schedules between state and federal agencies.