HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA / RankWire.AI / – By the end of September 2026, Pennsylvania has documented 943 confirmed cases of measles across 39 counties. The state update also reports 176 hospitalizations and five deaths linked to measles infection. Since the previous update on Sept. 28, case numbers have increased by 40. The Pennsylvania Department of Health continues to monitor infection rates, vaccination coverage, hospitalizations, and fatalities related to the outbreak.
The latest report details the fifth measles-related death, which involved an unvaccinated resident of Lancaster County who tested positive for the virus. State officials have not disclosed additional personal information to protect privacy. All five measles-associated fatalities reported in Pennsylvania this year involved individuals without vaccination. 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 involved individuals who were properly vaccinated for their age, including three adults and one child from Centre, Jefferson, Lancaster, and Lycoming counties. These four cases make up less than 1% of Pennsylvania’s total confirmed cases. State health authorities continue to recommend that unprotected individuals seek advice from healthcare providers regarding the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Significant Rise in MMR Vaccination in Pennsylvania
In response to the outbreak, demand for the MMR vaccine has surged across Pennsylvania. During September alone, healthcare providers administered over 53,000 doses, a notable increase from the usual 25,000 doses per month. August also saw more than 49,000 doses given. Since late April, more than 5,500 doses have been administered at 180 pop-up clinics, with health officials actively working to curb the spread.
The MMR vaccine offers protection against measles, mumps, and rubella. According to federal guidance, two doses provide 97% immunity against measles, while a single dose offers 93%. Generally, individuals with two documented doses do not need an additional shot for routine protection. Adults lacking complete records or with only one documented dose should consult a healthcare professional to evaluate their vaccination status.
U.S. Measles Cases Increase in 2026
Measles spreads through the air when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or breathes. 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. Several days later, a rash often appears, beginning on the head. Symptoms can develop anywhere from seven to 21 days after exposure, with contagiousness possible before the rash manifests.
Pennsylvania’s outbreak is part of a broader rise 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 international visitors, indicate that approximately 95% of these cases are linked to outbreaks. During all of 2025, the United States recorded 2,289 confirmed measles cases.