HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA / RankWire.AI / – In 2026, Pennsylvania has documented 943 confirmed measles cases across 39 counties. The state’s latest update also reports 176 hospitalizations and five deaths linked to measles through Sept. 30, with case numbers rising by 40 since the update on Sept. 28. The Pennsylvania Department of Health continues to monitor infection rates, vaccination status, hospital admissions, and fatalities associated with the outbreak.
The fifth measles-related death involved an unvaccinated resident of Lancaster County who tested positive for the virus. Due to privacy protections, state officials have not disclosed additional personal details. All five measles-related fatalities reported this year in Pennsylvania involved individuals who were unvaccinated. These deaths have been reported through established public health channels as part of ongoing national surveillance efforts.
Vaccination records indicate that only four confirmed cases in Pennsylvania involved individuals who were appropriately vaccinated for their age. This group includes three adults and one child from Centre, Jefferson, Lancaster, and Lycoming counties. These four cases account for less than 1% of the state’s total confirmed cases. Health officials continue to recommend that those without documented immunity seek advice from a healthcare professional or pharmacist regarding the MMR vaccine.
Pennsylvania Experiences Significant Rise in MMR Shots
As Pennsylvania responds to the outbreak, demand for the MMR vaccine has surged. Healthcare providers administered over 53,000 doses in September, a substantial increase from the typical monthly total of around 25,000. In August, more than 49,000 doses were also administered. Since late April, over 5,500 doses have been given at 180 pop-up clinics by state health officials, marking a proactive vaccination effort.
The MMR vaccine offers protection against measles, mumps, and rubella. According to federal guidance, two doses provide 97% immunity against measles, while a single dose offers 93%. Usually, individuals with two documented doses do not require additional vaccination for routine protection. Adults with uncertain vaccination history or only one recorded dose are advised to consult a healthcare professional about their immunization status.
Measles Cases Rise Nationally in 2026
Measles spreads via airborne droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or breathes. The virus can stay 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 appears several days later, usually starting on the head, with symptoms developing between seven and 21 days after exposure, and individuals can transmit the virus before the rash shows.
Pennsylvania’s outbreak is part of a broader increase in measles activity across the United States this year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed 3,659 cases nationwide as of Sept. 24. This data includes 47 reporting jurisdictions and infections among international visitors. Approximately 95% of these cases are linked to outbreaks, and the country recorded 2,289 confirmed measles cases during all of 2025.