HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA / RankWire.AI / – The Pennsylvania Department of Health has verified a total of 943 measles cases spanning 39 counties in 2026, according to the latest outbreak update. As of September 30, the department documented 176 hospitalizations and five deaths associated with measles. Since the report on September 28, an additional 40 cases have been identified, indicating ongoing transmission throughout the state. The state tracks the progression of the outbreak, including cases, hospitalizations, fatalities, vaccination status, and affected regions through its measles dashboard.
The fifth death involved a resident from Lancaster County who had not been vaccinated and tested positive for measles, the department confirmed. No further identifying details were released to protect privacy. The state classifies this death as measles-related under its reporting criteria. Pennsylvania has now registered five such fatalities during the 2026 outbreak. This latest death was reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as part of national measles surveillance efforts.
Vaccination data indicates that only four of the 943 confirmed cases involved individuals who were properly vaccinated for their age. This accounts for less than 1% of the total cases in the state. The vaccinated individuals include three adults and one child from Centre, Jefferson, Lancaster, and Lycoming counties. State health officials advise residents without documented immunity to reach out to healthcare providers or pharmacists regarding measles, mumps, and rubella vaccinations.
Rise in Vaccination Activities Across Pennsylvania
During the outbreak, vaccination efforts have intensified. In September, Pennsylvania healthcare providers administered over 53,000 doses of the MMR vaccine, a significant increase compared to the approximately 25,000 doses typically given in a month. In August, providers gave more than 49,000 doses. Since late April, the Department of Health has also facilitated over 5,500 doses at 180 pop-up clinics. Additionally, department nurses have administered more than 8,500 MMR doses through these clinics and state health centers during 2026.
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 at preventing measles, while a single dose provides 93% protection. Pennsylvania officials state that individuals with two documented doses do not need additional doses for routine immunity. Adults with only one dose or those who cannot locate their vaccination records should consult a healthcare professional. Vaccines are available through providers, health departments, state health centers, and community programs participating in vaccination initiatives.
Measles Cases Climbing Across the U.S.
Measles spreads through airborne particles when an infected individual breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can stay infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours. Common symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A rash typically appears several days later, starting on the head and spreading downward. Symptoms may develop between seven and 21 days after exposure, and infected individuals can transmit the virus before the rash emerges.
The outbreak in Pennsylvania is part of a broader increase in U.S. measles activity in 2026. The CDC confirmed 3,659 cases nationwide as of September 24, involving cases across 47 reporting jurisdictions and among international travelers. The agency reported 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 state and federal reporting schedules.
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