HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA / RankWire.AI / – As of 2026, Pennsylvania has documented a total of 943 confirmed cases of measles across 39 counties. The latest update from the state also reports 176 hospitalizations and five deaths linked to measles through September 30. The number of cases has grown by 40 since the update on September 28. The Pennsylvania Department of Health continues to monitor infection trends, vaccination coverage, hospitalizations, and fatalities associated with the outbreak.
The fifth death related to measles involved a resident of Lancaster County who had not been vaccinated and tested positive for the virus. Due to privacy protections, state officials did not release additional personal details. All five fatalities from measles in Pennsylvania this year involved individuals without vaccination. These deaths have been reported through official public health channels as part of ongoing national surveillance efforts.
Vaccination records indicate that only four confirmed cases in Pennsylvania involved individuals who had been appropriately vaccinated for their age group. These cases include three adults and one child from Centre, Jefferson, Lancaster, and Lycoming counties. Collectively, they make up less than 1% of the state’s total confirmed cases. Health authorities continue to recommend that unprotected individuals consult their healthcare providers or pharmacists about receiving the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine.
Pennsylvania Experiences Significant Rise in MMR Vaccination Numbers
The demand for the MMR vaccine has surged amid Pennsylvania’s efforts to curb the outbreak. Healthcare providers administered over 53,000 doses in September alone, a sharp increase from the typical monthly total of around 25,000. In August, providers also distributed more than 49,000 doses. Since late April, over 5,500 doses have been administered at 180 temporary clinics operated by state health personnel.
The MMR vaccine safeguards against measles, mumps, and rubella. Federal guidance states that two doses offer 97% protection against measles, while a single dose provides 93%. Generally, individuals with two documented doses do not need an additional shot for routine immunity. Adults with uncertain vaccination history or only one documented dose should seek guidance from a healthcare professional to confirm their vaccination status.
National Measles Cases Continue to Rise in 2026
Measles transmits through airborne droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or breathes. The virus can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours. Typical symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and red or watery eyes. A rash usually appears several days later, often starting on the head. Symptoms can develop anywhere from seven to 21 days after exposure, and contagious individuals may spread the virus before the rash becomes visible.
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. Data from 47 reporting jurisdictions, including infections among international visitors, are included. Approximately 95% of these cases are linked to outbreaks. In comparison, the U.S. recorded 2,289 confirmed cases throughout all of 2025.