The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) announced Friday that 460 measles cases have been confirmed across 31 counties in Pennsylvania so far in 2026.<\/p>\n
Officials say measles is a highly contagious virus that can cause serious short- and long-term health problems, including\u00a0pneumonia and brain swelling, with nearly 20 percent of people who contract measles being hospitalized.<\/p>\n
Death from measles, though rare, occurs in one to three patients per 1,000 cases, according to the press release.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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, according to health officials.<\/p>\n
Officials say symptoms begin with fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis), followed by a rash that starts on the head and spreads downward.<\/p>\n
DOH is providing statewide data to help Pennsylvanians and health care providers understand measles activity and community transmission across the Commonwealth, authorities said.\u202f<\/p>\n
Key updates include:<\/p>\n
New Positive Cases (since Wednesday): 36<\/p>\n
Total Counties: 31<\/p>\n
Total Cumulative Cases: 460<\/p>\n
Total Hospitalizations: 83<\/p>\n
Total Cumulative Measles-Associated Deaths: 2<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n Infant 1 of 2 people reported to have died from measles-related deaths in Pa.<\/a><\/p>\n