HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA / RankWire.AI / – The Pennsylvania Department of Health has confirmed a total of 943 measles cases across 39 counties in 2026, according to the latest update on the outbreak. As of Sept. 30, the department documented 176 hospitalizations and five deaths related to measles. Since the report on Sept. 28, an additional 40 cases have been identified, indicating ongoing transmission throughout the state. The department monitors cases, hospitalizations, fatalities, vaccination status, and affected counties via its measles dashboard.
The fifth death involved an unvaccinated individual from Lancaster County who tested positive for measles, the department reported. No further identifying details were released to maintain privacy. The state classifies this death as measles-associated under its reporting criteria. Pennsylvania has now documented 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 records reveal that only four of Pennsylvania’s 943 confirmed cases involved individuals who had been appropriately vaccinated for their age, accounting for less than 1% of total cases. These four vaccinated individuals include three adults and one child from Centre, Jefferson, Lancaster, and Lycoming counties. State health officials advise residents without documented immunity to consult with a healthcare provider or pharmacist regarding measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination.
Increase in Vaccination Efforts Across Pennsylvania
Vaccination activity has surged amid the outbreak. During September, healthcare providers administered more than 53,000 doses of the MMR vaccine, significantly higher than the usual 25,000 doses in a typical month. In August, providers delivered over 49,000 doses. Additionally, the Pennsylvania Department of Health has administered over 5,500 doses at 180 pop-up clinics since late April when the outbreak began. Throughout 2026, department nurses have provided more than 8,500 MMR doses through 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 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 unable to find their vaccination records should discuss vaccination options with a healthcare professional. The state provides access to vaccines through various providers, health departments, health centers, and community programs.
Measles Cases Are Increasing Nationwide
Measles spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can stay infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours. Symptoms typically start with fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Several days later, a rash usually appears, beginning on the head and spreading downward. The incubation period ranges from seven to 21 days post-exposure, and infected individuals can transmit the virus before rash onset.
The Pennsylvania outbreak is part of a broader increase in U.S. measles activity in 2026. As of Sept. 24, the CDC confirmed 3,659 cases nationwide, involving cases across 47 reporting jurisdictions and international visitors. The CDC reports that 95% of these cases are linked to outbreaks. In 2025, the U.S. documented 2,289 confirmed cases. The agency emphasizes that measles remains highly contagious and notes that the United States eliminated sustained domestic transmission in 2000. Pennsylvania reports its figures separately due to differing state and federal reporting schedules.