Pennsylvania measles outbreak tops 1,000 cases

Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak has surpassed 1,000 confirmed cases, with infections now reported across 39 counties, according to an Oct. 5 update from the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH).

The state has recorded 1,004 cases so far in 2026, including 27 newly reported since Oct. 2. Of the total, 198 patients have been hospitalized and 5 measles-associated deaths have been confirmed. Just 4 cases, less than 1%, have occurred among vaccinated individuals, according to DOH.

Demand for MMR vaccination has risen sharply amid the outbreak. Pennsylvania health care providers typically administer approximately 25,000 MMR doses per month, but gave more than 49,000 in August and more than 53,000 in September. Since the outbreak began in late April, state health center staff have also administered more than 5,700 doses at 192 pop-up clinics in affected communities.

DOH emphasized that vaccination remains the best protection against measles. Two MMR doses provide 97% protection, and people with 2 documented doses do not need an additional dose. Adults with only 1 dose or who cannot locate their vaccination records are advised to discuss vaccination with a health care provider or pharmacist.

Clinicians should remain alert for fever, cough, rhinorrhea, conjunctivitis, and a subsequent rash that begins on the head and spreads downward. Symptoms can appear 7 to 21 days after exposure, and patients are typically contagious from 4 days before through 4 days after rash onset.

Source: Pennsylvania Department of Health. (2026 Oct 5) Pennsylvania Department of Health Provides Statewide Update on Measles Outbreak as Cases Reach 1,004 in 39 Counties; (2026 Sep 15) Pennsylvania Department of Health Confirms Two Additional Measles-Associated Deaths