Cases of measles continue to rise in Pennsylvania, with about 90 new cases reported in the last week.
As of Wednesday, the Pennsylvania Department of Health reported 624 measles cases since the beginning of the year, with about 109 resulting in hospitalizations.
Lancaster County continues to lead the state with 268 cases as of Wednesday, and it is the only county to have any measles-related deaths reported, with two in late August. Cases have been reported in 37 counties, including two in Lehigh County. However, the only counties where there is believed to be active community transmission are Chester, Lancaster, York, Mifflin, Snyder, Center, Clearfield, Jefferson and Indiana counties.
There is no active risk of spread in the Lehigh Valley, nor any of the immediate surrounding counties.
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a viral infection. The virus spreads when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks, and lingers in the air. Entering a room where someone with measles was two hours prior can lead to contracting the virus. People with measles are infectious up to four days before a rash appears and up to four days afterward.
Across the country, there have been 3,134 confirmed cases of measles in 2026, with cases reported in all but five states. The most cases have been reported in South Carolina, Pennsylvania and Utah, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The best protection against measles is getting fully vaccinated. The measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, administered in two doses, boosts a person’s immune system and provides 97% lifetime protection.