Pennsylvania reports 1,260 measles cases across 43 counties in 2026

1. The Pennsylvania Department of Health reported 1,260 measles cases across 43 counties, including 238 hospitalizations and 5 confirmed measles-associated deaths in 2026.

2. The department recommends an early measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) dose for infants aged 6 through 11 months in counties with sustained community transmission; it does not replace the two routine doses.

2MM Brief: The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) reported 1,260 confirmed measles cases across 43 counties in 2026, including 238 hospitalizations and 5 confirmed measles-associated deaths. The update included 38 new positive cases since October 14, 2026, and was current as of October 16. DOH said 4 cases occurred among vaccinated individuals, representing less than 1% of cases. DOH is investigating a recently reported death in Franklin County; the department said a death is classified as measles-associated only when it occurs within 30 days of symptom onset in a person with clinical evidence and a positive laboratory test, is not due to an unrelated cause, and meets additional epidemiologic criteria. DOH reported that approximately 300 staff members are working with residents, community organizations, and health care providers. State health center staff administered more than 6,100 MMR vaccinations at 210 pop-up clinics in affected communities since the outbreak began in late April, while DOH nurses administered more than 9,300 MMR doses at pop-up clinics and state health centers across Pennsylvania in 2026. Health care providers administered more than 56,000 MMR doses in September and more than 23,000 during the first two weeks of October, compared with approximately 25,000 doses in a typical month. DOH recommends an early zero dose for infants aged 6 through 11 months who live in or travel to counties with sustained community transmission; the dose does not replace the two routine doses. Children 12 months and older without a dose should receive one now and a second dose at least 28 days later, according to DOH. The department said it continues coordinating with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) staff and updating its measles dashboard.

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