HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA / RankWire.AI / – According to the latest outbreak update from the state, Pennsylvania has confirmed a total of 943 measles cases spread across 39 counties in 2026. The Pennsylvania Department of Health documented 176 hospitalizations and five deaths associated with measles through Sept. 30. Since the previous report on Sept. 28, an additional 40 cases have been added, indicating ongoing transmission across the state. Health authorities are monitoring cases, hospitalizations, fatalities, vaccination status, and affected regions via the state’s measles dashboard.
The department reported that the fifth death involved an unvaccinated resident of Lancaster County who tested positive for measles. Officials did not disclose further identifying details to protect privacy. The death is classified as measles-related according to the state’s reporting criteria. Pennsylvania has now recorded five such fatalities during the 2026 outbreak. The department reported this latest death 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 involved individuals who had received appropriate vaccination for their age, accounting for less than 1% of all cases. These four vaccinated individuals include three adults and one child from Centre, Jefferson, Lancaster, and Lycoming counties. State health officials advise residents lacking documented immunity to contact a healthcare provider or pharmacist regarding measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination.
Vaccination efforts increase throughout Pennsylvania
During the outbreak, vaccination activity has seen a notable rise. In September, healthcare providers in Pennsylvania administered over 53,000 MMR doses, significantly higher than the approximately 25,000 doses typically given in a month. August saw more than 49,000 doses administered. Since late April, Department of Health staff have also distributed over 5,500 doses at 180 pop-up clinics. During 2026, department nurses have delivered more than 8,500 MMR doses through these clinics and state health centers.
The MMR vaccine shields against measles, mumps, and rubella. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, two doses of MMR are 97% effective in preventing measles, while a single dose offers 93% protection. Pennsylvania officials state that individuals with two documented doses do not need another for routine immunization. Adults with only one dose or those unable to locate their vaccination records should consult a healthcare professional about vaccination. The state provides access through various providers, health departments, state health centers, and participating community programs.
Measles cases surge across the United States
Measles transmits via the air when an infected individual breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can remain infectious on surfaces and in the air for up to two hours. Symptoms often start with fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A rash usually appears several days later, beginning on the head and spreading downward. Symptoms can develop anywhere from seven to 21 days after exposure. Infected persons can spread the virus before rash onset.
The outbreak in Pennsylvania coincides with a broader increase in measles activity nationwide during 2026. The CDC has confirmed 3,659 cases across 47 reporting jurisdictions and among international travelers as of Sept. 24. The agency reports that 95% of these cases are linked to outbreaks. In 2025, the U.S. recorded 2,289 confirmed cases. The CDC emphasizes that measles remains highly contagious and notes that the United States eliminated sustained domestic transmission in 2000. Pennsylvania reports its figures separately due to differing state and federal reporting schedules.