HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA / RankWire.AI / – The state of Pennsylvania has confirmed a total of 943 cases of measles across 39 counties in 2026, according to the latest update on the outbreak. The Pennsylvania Department of Health documented 176 hospitalizations and five deaths related to measles through September 30. Since the previous report on September 28, an additional 40 cases have been identified, indicating ongoing spread throughout the state. The department monitors cases, hospitalizations, fatalities, vaccination status, and affected counties via the state’s measles dashboard.
The fifth death involved an unvaccinated individual from Lancaster County who tested positive for measles, the department confirmed. No further personal details were released, citing privacy reasons. The death is classified as measles-associated under the state’s reporting standards. 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 records indicate that only four of the 943 confirmed cases involved individuals who had been properly vaccinated for their age. This accounts for less than 1% of all confirmed cases in the state. The vaccinated group includes three adults and one child from Centre, Jefferson, Lancaster, and Lycoming counties. State health officials continue to advise residents without documented immunity to consult their healthcare provider or pharmacist regarding measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines.
Increase in Vaccination Efforts Across Pennsylvania
Vaccination initiatives have intensified amid the outbreak. Healthcare providers in Pennsylvania administered over 53,000 MMR doses in September, significantly higher than the typical monthly total of about 25,000. In August, more than 49,000 doses were given. Since late April, over 5,500 doses have been administered at 180 pop-up clinics by Department staff. Throughout 2026, nurses have provided over 8,500 MMR doses through both 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 MMR are 97% effective at preventing measles, while a single dose has a 93% effectiveness rate. Pennsylvania officials confirm that individuals with two documented doses do not need additional vaccination for routine immunity. Adults with only one dose or those unable to find their vaccination records should consult a healthcare professional. The state provides access to vaccines through various providers, health departments, clinics, and community programs.
Measles Cases Expand Nationally in 2026
Measles transmits through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours. Symptoms typically start with fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, with a rash usually appearing days later, beginning on the head and progressing downward. Symptoms can develop between seven to 21 days post-exposure, and infected individuals can spread measles before the rash emerges.
The outbreak in Pennsylvania coincides with a broader increase in measles activity across the United States during 2026. The CDC confirmed 3,659 cases nationwide as of Sept. 24, involving cases across 47 reporting jurisdictions and international visitors. The agency reports that 95% of these cases are linked to outbreaks. During all of 2025, the U.S. recorded 2,289 confirmed cases. The CDC emphasizes that measles remains highly contagious and notes that the country eliminated continuous domestic transmission in 2000. Pennsylvania reports its figures separately due to differing federal and state reporting schedules.
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