HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA / RankWire.AI / – Pennsylvania has documented 943 confirmed measles cases across 39 counties in 2026. The latest state update also reports 176 hospitalizations and five deaths associated with measles up to Sept. 30. Since the previous update on Sept. 28, case numbers have risen by 40. The Pennsylvania Department of Health continues monitoring infections, vaccination statuses, hospital admissions, and fatalities linked to the outbreak.
The fifth measles-related death involved an unvaccinated individual from Lancaster County who tested positive for the virus. State authorities did not release additional personal information due to privacy rules. All five measles-related fatalities reported by Pennsylvania this year involved individuals who were unvaccinated. These deaths have been officially reported through established public health channels as part of ongoing national surveillance efforts.
Vaccination data indicate that only four confirmed cases in Pennsylvania involved individuals who had received appropriate vaccination for their age. This group comprises three adults and one child from Centre, Jefferson, Lancaster, and Lycoming counties. These four cases account for less than 1% of Pennsylvania’s total confirmed cases. Health officials continue to recommend that those lacking documented immunity consult healthcare providers about the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine.
Sharp Rise in MMR Vaccination Rates Observed in Pennsylvania
The demand for the MMR vaccine has surged as Pennsylvania responds to the outbreak. Healthcare providers administered over 53,000 doses in September, a significant increase compared to the usual 25,000 doses per month. August also saw more than 49,000 doses administered. Since the outbreak’s start in late April, over 5,500 doses have been given at 180 temporary clinics organized by state health workers.
The MMR shot offers protection against measles, mumps, and rubella. According to federal guidelines, two doses provide 97% immunity against measles, whereas a single dose offers 93%. Generally, individuals with two documented doses do not require additional doses for routine protection. Adults with incomplete records or only one documented dose should consult a healthcare professional about their vaccination status.
National Measles Cases Continue to Rise in 2026
Measles transmits through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or breathes. The virus can stay infectious on surfaces and in the air for up to two hours. Common symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and red or watery eyes. A rash usually appears several days later, typically beginning on the head. Symptoms can develop between seven and 21 days after exposure, with contagiousness before the rash emerges.
The outbreak in Pennsylvania is part of a broader uptick in measles activity nationwide this year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed 3,659 cases across the country as of Sept. 24. Data from 47 reporting jurisdictions, including cases among international visitors, were included. About 95% of these confirmed cases are linked to outbreaks. In contrast, the U.S. reported 2,289 confirmed measles cases during all of 2025.