HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA / RankWire.AI / – The latest update on Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak in 2026 confirms a total of 943 cases spanning 39 counties, according to the state’s official data. The Pennsylvania Department of Health documented 176 hospitalizations and five deaths associated with measles through September 30. Since the report on September 28, an additional 40 cases have been identified, indicating ongoing transmission throughout the state. To monitor the situation, officials are tracking cases, hospitalizations, fatalities, vaccination status, and impacted counties via the state’s measles dashboard.
The department identified the fifth death as involving an unvaccinated resident of Lancaster County who tested positive for measles. No further personal details were released, citing privacy protections. The state categorizes this death as measles-related under its reporting criteria. During the 2026 outbreak, Pennsylvania has now reported a total of five such deaths. The department also submitted the latest fatality information 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 were properly 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 without documented immunity to contact healthcare providers or pharmacists regarding measles, mumps, and rubella vaccinations.
Vaccination efforts intensify across Pennsylvania
During the outbreak, vaccination activities have seen a marked increase. Healthcare providers in Pennsylvania administered over 53,000 MMR doses in September, compared to approximately 25,000 in a typical month. In August, more than 49,000 doses were given. Additionally, department staff have administered over 5,500 doses at 180 pop-up clinics since late April when the outbreak started. Throughout 2026, nurses have provided over 8,500 MMR doses through these clinics and at state health centers.
The MMR vaccine safeguards against measles, mumps, and rubella. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, two doses of MMR are 97% effective at preventing measles, while a single dose offers 93% protection. Pennsylvania officials advise that individuals with two documented doses do not need additional doses for routine immunity. Adults with only one dose or lacking vaccination records should consult with healthcare providers about vaccination. The state provides access to vaccines through various providers, health departments, health centers, and community programs.
Measles cases are increasing nationwide
Measles transmits through the air when an infected individual breathes, coughs, or sneezes, with the virus capable of remaining infectious on surfaces and in the air for up to two hours. Symptoms typically include fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, often followed by a rash beginning on the head and spreading downward several days later. The incubation period ranges from seven to 21 days after exposure, and individuals can spread measles before the rash appears.
The outbreak in Pennsylvania is part of a broader surge in U.S. measles activity during 2026. As of September 24, the CDC confirmed 3,659 cases nationwide, involving cases across 47 reporting jurisdictions and international visitors. The agency stated that 95% of these cases are linked to outbreaks. In comparison, the U.S. recorded 2,289 confirmed cases throughout all of 2025. The CDC emphasizes that measles remains highly contagious, although the country eliminated sustained domestic transmission in 2000. Pennsylvania reports its numbers separately because state and federal data collection schedules differ.