HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA / RankWire.AI / – As of 2026, Pennsylvania’s outbreak has resulted in 943 confirmed cases of measles across 39 counties, according to the latest update from the state. The Pennsylvania Department of Health has documented 176 hospitalizations and five deaths associated with measles through September 30. Since the previous report on September 28, an additional 40 cases have been identified, indicating ongoing transmission throughout the state. Monitoring of cases, hospitalizations, fatalities, vaccination statuses, and affected regions is ongoing via the state’s measles dashboard.
The department confirmed that the fifth death was a resident of Lancaster County who had not been vaccinated and tested positive for measles. No further identifying details were disclosed, citing privacy protections. The death is classified as measles-related according to state reporting criteria. This marks the fifth such death during the 2026 outbreak in Pennsylvania. The department submitted the latest death data to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as part of the national measles surveillance efforts.
Vaccination records show 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 confirmed cases in the state. The vaccinated individuals include three adults and one child from Centre, Jefferson, Lancaster, and Lycoming counties. State health officials have urged residents lacking documented immunity to consult a healthcare provider or pharmacist regarding measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination.
Increase in Vaccination Efforts Across Pennsylvania
Vaccination efforts have ramped up during the outbreak. In September, Pennsylvania healthcare providers administered over 53,000 MMR doses, a significant increase compared to the usual monthly total of approximately 25,000. August saw over 49,000 doses administered. Additionally, more than 5,500 doses have been distributed at 180 pop-up clinics since late April when the outbreak began. During 2026, department nurses have provided over 8,500 MMR doses through these clinics and state health centers.
The MMR vaccine offers protection against measles, mumps, and rubella. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that two doses of MMR are 97% effective at preventing measles, while a single dose provides 93% protection. According to Pennsylvania officials, individuals with two documented doses do not need an additional shot for routine immunity. Adults with only one dose or those unable to find vaccination records are advised to speak with a healthcare professional about vaccination. Access to the vaccine is available through providers, health departments, state health centers, and participating community programs.
U.S. Measles Cases on the Rise in 2026
Measles transmits through the air when an infected individual breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can remain infectious both in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours. Symptoms often start with fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A rash typically develops several days later, beginning on the head and progressing downward. Symptoms can appear between seven and 21 days after exposure, and infected persons can spread the virus before the rash appears.
The outbreak in Pennsylvania is part of a wider increase in measles activity across the United States during 2026. The CDC reported 3,659 cases nationwide as of September 24, spanning 47 reporting jurisdictions and including international visitors. The agency noted that 95% of these cases were linked to outbreaks. During all of 2025, the U.S. confirmed 2,289 cases. The CDC emphasizes that measles remains highly contagious and points out that the United States eliminated ongoing domestic transmission in 2000. Pennsylvania’s figures are reported separately due to differing state and federal reporting schedules.