HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA / RankWire.AI / – As of 2026, Pennsylvania has documented a total of 943 measles cases spanning 39 counties, according to the latest update on the outbreak. The Pennsylvania Department of Health has reported 176 hospitalizations and five deaths associated with measles through September 30. Since the previous report on September 28, an additional 40 cases have been confirmed, indicating ongoing spread across the state. The department maintains a measles dashboard to monitor cases, hospitalizations, fatalities, vaccination status, and affected counties.
In Lancaster County, the department confirmed the fifth death linked to the outbreak, involving an unvaccinated resident who tested positive for measles. Privacy protections prevented 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 reported five such fatalities. The department also notified the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about the latest death as part of national measles tracking efforts.
Analysis of vaccination records shows that only four of the 943 confirmed cases involved individuals with proper vaccination 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 authorities advise residents lacking documented immunity to consult a healthcare provider or pharmacist regarding measles, mumps, and rubella vaccinations.
Vaccination Efforts Accelerate Throughout Pennsylvania
During the outbreak, vaccination activities have surged. Pennsylvania healthcare providers administered over 53,000 doses of the MMR vaccine in September, a significant increase from the usual 25,000 doses in an average month. In August, providers gave more than 49,000 doses. Additionally, the Pennsylvania Department of Health has administered over 5,500 doses at 180 pop-up clinics since late April, when the outbreak began. Throughout 2026, department nurses have delivered more than 8,500 MMR doses via 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 are 97% effective at preventing measles, while a single dose provides 93% protection. Pennsylvania officials emphasize that individuals with two documented doses do not need an additional shot for routine immunity. Adults with only one dose or those lacking vaccination records are encouraged to discuss their vaccination needs with healthcare professionals. The state provides vaccine access through healthcare providers, health departments, state health centers, and community programs.
Measles Cases Expand Nationwide
Measles spreads primarily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can stay infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours. Initial symptoms typically include fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A rash usually develops several days later, beginning on the head and gradually moving downward. Symptoms can appear between seven and 21 days after exposure. Notably, infected individuals can transmit measles before the rash appears.
This Pennsylvania outbreak is part of a broader increase in measles activity across the United States in 2026. As of September 24, the CDC confirmed 3,659 cases nationwide, involving cases across 47 reporting jurisdictions and international visitors. The CDC reports that 95% of confirmed cases are linked to outbreaks. In comparison, the United States recorded 2,289 confirmed cases throughout all of 2025. The CDC emphasizes that measles remains highly contagious and notes that the U.S. eliminated sustained domestic transmission in 2000. Pennsylvania reports its figures separately, given differing federal and state reporting schedules.