HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA / RankWire.AI / – As of September 30, 2026, Pennsylvania has documented 943 confirmed cases of measles across 39 counties. The latest update from the Pennsylvania Department of Health also indicates 176 hospitalizations and five deaths related to measles this year. The case count has risen by 40 since the update on September 28. State officials continue to monitor infection rates, vaccination coverage, hospitalizations, and fatalities linked to this ongoing outbreak.
The fifth death attributed to measles involved an unvaccinated individual from Lancaster County who tested positive for the virus. Details about the person remain private, as no further personal information has been released due to privacy protections. All five measles-related deaths reported in Pennsylvania this year involved individuals who were unvaccinated. The deaths have been formally reported through established public health channels as part of ongoing national surveillance efforts.
Vaccination data reveal that only four confirmed cases involved individuals who were properly vaccinated for their age. These cases include three adults and one child from Centre, Jefferson, Lancaster, and Lycoming counties. Together, these four instances account for less than 1% of Pennsylvania’s total confirmed cases. Health officials continue to recommend that individuals without documented immunity seek advice from a healthcare provider or pharmacist regarding the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Pennsylvania experiences notable rise in MMR immunizations
In response to the outbreak, demand for the MMR vaccine has surged. During September, healthcare providers administered over 53,000 doses, surpassing the usual monthly total of approximately 25,000. August saw more than 49,000 doses administered. Since the outbreak’s onset in late April, more than 5,500 doses have been given at 180 pop-up clinics across the state.
The MMR vaccine offers protection against measles, mumps, and rubella. According to federal guidelines, two doses provide 97% immunity against measles, while a single dose offers 93% protection. Typically, individuals with two documented doses do not need additional shots for routine immunization. Adults lacking clear vaccination records or with only one documented dose should consult with a healthcare professional regarding their vaccination status.
US sees rise in measles cases in 2026
Measles transmits through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or exhales. The virus can stay 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 generally appears several days later, often starting on the head. Symptoms can develop anywhere from seven to 21 days after exposure, and individuals can spread the disease before the rash shows up.
Pennsylvania’s outbreak is part of a broader rise in measles activity observed 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. About 95% of these cases are linked to outbreak clusters. In 2025, the U.S. reported a total of 2,289 confirmed measles cases.