CDC
By Brendan Scanland
Measles cases are continuing to climb across the region, with Pennsylvania surpassing 1,000 confirmed cases and New York declaring a state disaster emergency amid its own rise in infections.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health announced Monday that 1,004 measles cases have now been confirmed across 39 counties in 2026. The latest update includes 27 new cases since Oct. 2.
Pennsylvania has also recorded 198 hospitalizations and five measles-associated deaths this year. State health officials say just four of the confirmed cases, less than 1%, have been among vaccinated individuals.
The milestone comes as Pennsylvania continues efforts to increase access to the measles, mumps and rubella, or MMR, vaccine.
More than 53,000 MMR vaccine doses were administered statewide during September, more than double the number typically given in a month, according to the Department of Health.
The department says two doses of the MMR vaccine provide 97% protection against measles and continues to urge Pennsylvanians to make sure they are up to date on vaccinations. The state’s measles information page also provides information on vaccination locations and the latest outbreak data.
Meanwhile, neighboring New York is also stepping up its response.
Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state disaster emergency Monday as measles cases rise in New York. The emergency order expands the health care professionals who can help administer vaccines and allows additional testing measures as the state works to contain the spread.
New York State Department of Health officials say they are closely monitoring measles activity and working with local health departments to investigate cases and provide vaccines and other protective measures.
Health officials in both states are urging residents to check their vaccination status and watch for symptoms. Measles is highly contagious and can spread through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes.