HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA / RankWire.AI / – As of 2026, Pennsylvania reports a total of 943 confirmed measles cases spanning 39 counties, according to the most recent update on the outbreak. The Pennsylvania Department of Health documented 176 hospitalizations and five deaths associated with measles through September 30. Since the previous report on September 28, an additional 40 cases have been recorded, indicating ongoing transmission across the state. The department monitors cases, hospitalizations, fatalities, vaccination rates, and affected regions through its measles dashboard.
The department identified the fifth fatality as an unvaccinated individual from Lancaster County who had tested positive for measles. No further personal details were released to maintain privacy. The death is officially classified as measles-related under state reporting guidelines. Pennsylvania has now documented five such deaths during the 2026 outbreak. The department reported this latest fatality to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as part of national measles surveillance efforts.
Vaccination records indicate that only four of Pennsylvania’s 943 confirmed cases involve individuals who are properly vaccinated for their age, representing less than 1% of all confirmed cases. These four vaccinated individuals include three adults and one child from Centre, Jefferson, Lancaster, and Lycoming counties. State health authorities advise residents lacking documented immunity to contact a healthcare provider or pharmacist regarding measles, mumps, and rubella vaccinations.
Vaccination efforts intensify statewide amid outbreak
Vaccination activity has notably increased during the outbreak period. Healthcare providers in Pennsylvania administered over 53,000 MMR doses in September, a significant rise compared to the roughly 25,000 doses typically given in a regular month. August saw the administration of more than 49,000 doses. Additionally, Pennsylvania Department of Health staff have provided more than 5,500 doses at 180 pop-up clinics since late April when the outbreak started. During 2026, department nurses have delivered 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 the MMR vaccine are 97% effective in preventing measles, while a single dose is 93% effective. Pennsylvania officials state that individuals with two documented doses do not need an additional shot for routine protection. Adults with only one dose or those who cannot find their vaccination records are encouraged to consult a healthcare professional about vaccination. Access to vaccines is provided through healthcare providers, health departments, state clinics, and community programs participating in vaccination efforts.
Measles cases escalate across the United States
Measles spreads via the air when an infected individual breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can remain viable in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours. Symptoms often start with fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a rash that usually appears several days later, beginning on the head and spreading downward. The incubation period ranges from seven to 21 days after exposure, and infected individuals can transmit the virus before the rash develops.
The Pennsylvania outbreak coincides with a broader increase in measles activity across the U.S. during 2026. As of September 24, the CDC confirmed 3,659 cases nationwide, across 47 reporting jurisdictions and involving international travelers. The CDC reports that 95% of these cases are linked to outbreaks. In comparison, the U.S. recorded 2,289 cases throughout all of 2025. Despite measles being highly contagious, the CDC emphasizes that the United States eliminated continuous domestic transmission in 2000. Pennsylvania’s figures are reported separately due to differing federal and state reporting schedules.