The Pennsylvania Department of Health has confirmed that an unvaccinated resident of Jefferson County who tested positive for measles has died, marking the sixth measles-associated death reported in the Commonwealth this year.
CDC
State health officials said the death has been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and added to Pennsylvania’s measles dashboard. The latest death comes as the state continues to battle a widespread outbreak that has reached 1,467 confirmed cases across 45 counties in 2026.
To protect the privacy of the individual and their family, the Department of Health said no additional identifying information will be released.
Since November 2, Pennsylvania has reported 34 new measles cases. Statewide totals now include 1,467 confirmed cases, 283 hospitalizations, and six measles-associated deaths. Health officials noted that only five cases, less than 1% of the total, have occurred among vaccinated individuals.
The six confirmed measles-associated deaths have involved residents of Jefferson, Lancaster, and Mifflin counties. State officials also addressed reports of a Franklin County death linked to measles but said their investigation has not found evidence that currently meets the criteria for classification as a measles-associated death.
The Department of Health continues its response efforts through vaccination clinics and public outreach. Since the outbreak began in late April, state health center staff have administered more than 6,800 MMR vaccinations at 241 pop-up clinics. Combined with vaccinations given at state health centers, more than 10,900 MMR doses have been administered across Pennsylvania this year.
Health care providers have also reported a significant increase in demand for measles vaccinations. While providers typically administer about 25,000 MMR doses per month, more than 56,000 doses were given in September and more than 61,000 in October.
Officials continue to urge residents to get vaccinated, noting that the two-dose MMR vaccine provides approximately 97% lifetime protection against measles. The Department of Health recommends that children and adults who are not fully vaccinated speak with their health care provider about receiving the vaccine.
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus that can cause serious complications, including pneumonia and brain swelling. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes, and a rash that typically begins on the face before spreading downward.
Anyone who believes they have been exposed to measles and is experiencing symptoms should contact a health care provider or call the Department of Health’s hotline at 877-PA-HEALTH (877-724-3258). More information is available online here.