HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA / RankWire.AI / – According to the most recent update on the outbreak, Pennsylvania has confirmed a total of 943 measles cases spread across 39 counties in 2026. The Pennsylvania Department of Health reported 176 hospitalizations and five deaths linked to measles through September 30. Since the previous report on September 28, an additional 40 cases have been documented, indicating ongoing transmission throughout the state. State health authorities are monitoring cases, hospitalizations, fatalities, vaccination coverage, and affected counties via the state’s measles dashboard.
The department confirmed that the fifth death involved an unvaccinated individual from Lancaster County who tested positive for measles. No further identifying information was released, citing privacy concerns. Under Pennsylvania’s reporting standards, this death is classified as measles-related. Up to now, Pennsylvania has recorded five such fatalities during the 2026 outbreak. This latest death has been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as part of national measles surveillance efforts.
Vaccination data reveal that only four of the 943 confirmed cases involved individuals who had been vaccinated appropriately for their age. This accounts for less than 1% of all cases in the state. The four vaccinated individuals include three adults and one child from Centre, Jefferson, Lancaster, and Lycoming counties. Health officials in Pennsylvania are advising residents without documented immunity to reach out to healthcare providers or pharmacists for information about measles, mumps, and rubella vaccinations.
Rise in vaccination efforts across Pennsylvania
During the outbreak, vaccination efforts have intensified. Pennsylvania healthcare providers administered more than 53,000 MMR doses in September, a significant increase from the roughly 25,000 doses given during a typical month. In August, providers administered over 49,000 doses. Since late April, the Department of Health has also facilitated more than 5,500 doses at 180 pop-up clinics. During 2026, department nurses have administered upwards of 8,500 MMR doses through both pop-up clinics and state health centers.
The MMR vaccine provides 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, whereas one dose is 93% effective. Pennsylvania officials state that individuals with two documented doses do not require an additional dose for routine protection. Adults with only one dose, or those unable to find their vaccination records, are encouraged to discuss vaccination options with a healthcare professional. The state provides access to vaccines through various providers, health departments, state health centers, and community programs.
Measles outbreaks expand across the United States
Measles transmits through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can stay infectious on surfaces and in the air for up to two hours. Initial symptoms often include fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A rash typically appears several days later, beginning on the head and spreading downward. The incubation period ranges from seven to 21 days post-exposure. Infected individuals may spread the virus before the rash becomes visible.
This outbreak in Pennsylvania coincides with a broader increase in measles cases nationwide during 2026. As of September 24, the CDC confirmed 3,659 cases across 47 jurisdictions, including cases among international visitors. The CDC reports that 95% of these cases are linked to outbreaks. In comparison, the United States had 2,289 confirmed cases throughout 2025. The CDC emphasizes that measles remains highly contagious, despite the U.S. having eliminated sustained domestic transmission in 2000. Pennsylvania reports its figures separately due to differences in state and federal reporting schedules.