HARRISBURG, Pa. – On Wednesday, the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) confirmed that an unvaccinated resident of Jefferson County tested positive for measles and died.
According to the DOH, this is the sixth confirmed measles-associated death in Pennsylvania this year.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says it has reported the death and added it to Pennsylvania’s measles dashboard. Confirmed measles cases stand at 1,467 across 45 counties so far in 2026, reports the CDC.
To protect the person’s privacy and their family, the DOH says it will not release any additional details that could personally identify them.
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:
Newly Confirmed Cases (since November 2, 2026): 34
Total Counties: 45
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,467
Total Hospitalizations: 283
Total Cumulative Measles-Associated Deaths: 6
Measles cases among vaccinated individuals: 5 (less than 1% of cases)
Measles-associated deaths
As of November 4, the DOH has confirmed six measles-associated deaths in Pennsylvania this year. Those who died were residents of Jefferson (2), Lancaster (3) and Mifflin (1) counties.
The DOH says it is aware of a reported death of a Franklin County resident in October. However, as of November 4, DOH’s thorough investigation has not yet found any Franklin County cases meeting the required criteria to be confirmed as a measles-associated death.
Outreach and Response
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.
State health officials say they have administered over 6,800 MMR vaccinations at 241 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).
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