HARRISBURG, Pa. – There have been a total of 1,078 measles cases confirmed across 41 counties in Pennsylvania in 2026, according to a news release from the Department of Health (DOH).
Of the 74 cases added today, more than 40 represent individuals who were sick more than two weeks ago and are no longer contagious, but their cases were only recently reported and subsequently confirmed by DOH.
The DOH says it is continuing its robust response to the ongoing measles outbreak and will continue to provide Pennsylvanians with updated information on cases, hospitalizations, and deaths.
Key updates include:
New Positive Cases (since October 5, 2026): 74
Total Counties: 41
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,078
Total Hospitalizations: 207
Total Cumulative Measles-Associated Deaths: 5
Measles cases among vaccinated individuals: 4 (less than 1% of cases)
Pennsylvanians can stay up to date on confirmed measles cases, hospitalizations, deaths, community transmission, and vaccination efforts on the online dashboard at pa.gov/measles.
According to the DOH, they are proactively working with residents, community organizations, and health care providers to combat the measles outbreak in the Commonwealth.
The organization says combative efforts are occurring through access to fact-based information and access to the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
State health officials say they have administered nearly 5,700 MMR vaccinations at 198 pop-up vaccination clinics in the affected communities since the outbreak began in late April. Dozens of additional vaccine clinics are scheduled for the upcoming weeks and months, based on community interest and need.
Getting Vaccinated
Officials urge Pa. residents to get vaccinated, saying this is the best protection against measles. The MMR vaccine is given in a two-dose series and provides 97% protection against measles after two doses.
The MMR vaccine is available across the state by contacting a health care provider, county or municipal health department, DOH State Health Center, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), or a Vaccines for Children (VFC) program.
Measles Symptoms and Transmission
The DOH says measles is a highly contagious virus that can cause serious short- and long-term health problems, including pneumonia and brain swelling, with nearly 20% of people who contract measles being hospitalized.
Measles spreads when a person who is infected breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus remains infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after the person with the infection leaves the area.
Symptoms begin with fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis), followed by a rash that starts on the head and spreads downward. Without proper protection or supportive care, measles can be deadly. Symptoms can start 7 to 21 days after exposure.
People who believe they were exposed to measles and are experiencing symptoms should contact their health care provider or call DOH’s toll-free hotline at 877-PA-HEALTH (877-724-3258).