HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA / RankWire.AI / – Across 39 counties in 2026, Pennsylvania has confirmed a total of 943 measles cases. The state update also reports 176 hospitalizations and five deaths associated with measles as of Sept. 30. Since the previous update on Sept. 28, case numbers have increased by 40. The Pennsylvania Department of Health maintains ongoing surveillance of infection rates, vaccination status, hospitalizations, and fatalities related to the outbreak.
The fifth death linked to measles involved an unvaccinated Lancaster County resident who tested positive for the virus. Due to privacy protections, state officials have not released additional personal information. All five measles-related deaths reported in Pennsylvania this year involved individuals who had not been vaccinated. These deaths have been officially reported through established public health channels as part of national monitoring efforts.
Vaccination data indicates that just four confirmed cases involved individuals who were properly vaccinated for their age group. These cases include three adults and one child from Centre, Jefferson, Lancaster, and Lycoming counties. Together, these cases account for less than 1% of Pennsylvania’s total confirmed cases. Health authorities continue to recommend that unprotected individuals consult a healthcare professional regarding the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine.
Pennsylvania Experiences Notable Rise in MMR Vaccination Rates
As a response to the outbreak, demand for the MMR vaccine has surged in Pennsylvania. Healthcare providers administered over 53,000 doses in September, surpassing the usual monthly average of approximately 25,000 doses. In August, providers also administered more than 49,000 doses. Since the outbreak’s onset in late April, state health officials have delivered more than 5,500 doses at 180 pop-up clinics.
The MMR vaccine offers protection against measles, mumps, and rubella. Federal guidelines state that two doses provide 97% immunity against measles, while a single dose confers 93% protection. Individuals with documented two-dose vaccination generally do not require additional doses for routine immunity. Adults with uncertain vaccination history or only one recorded dose should consult a healthcare professional to evaluate their immunization status.
Measles Cases Rise Nationally in 2026
Measles transmits via the air when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or breathes. The virus can remain infectious on surfaces and in the air for up to two hours. Typical symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and red or watery eyes. A rash, often starting on the head, typically appears several days after initial symptoms. Symptoms can develop between seven and 21 days after exposure, and individuals can spread the virus before the rash manifests.
Pennsylvania’s outbreak is part of a broader increase in measles activity across the United States this year. As of Sept. 24, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed 3,659 cases nationwide across 47 reporting jurisdictions, including infections among international visitors. Approximately 95% of these cases are linked to outbreaks. In 2025, the U.S. reported a total of 2,289 confirmed measles cases.
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