Metro Philadelphia<\/p>\n
The Pennsylvania Department of Health has confirmed 676 cases of measles in 37 counties across the Commonwealth this year.\u00a0<\/p>\n
There have been 108 new positive cases reported in the past week, according to state officials.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Lancaster County has the most confirmed cases by far, reporting 295 cases of measles in 2026. Currently, Philadelphia and Bucks County have no reported cases. Montgomery County has 3.\u00a0<\/p>\n
So far this year in Pennsylvania, 124 people have been hospitalized with measles and two people have died<\/a> from measles-associated illness, according to Department of Health data<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n Health experts are urging people to get vaccinated to ensure safety as measles cases continue to rise statewide.\u00a0<\/p>\n Who should get vaccinated and when?<\/p>\n Health officials strongly recommend that parents follow the routine immunization schedule<\/a> and ensure children are fully vaccinated. The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is typically given in two doses \u2014 first at 12 to 15 months of age and again between 4 and 6 years old \u2014 and is considered safe and highly effective.<\/p>\n Infants younger than 12 months are not routinely eligible for the vaccine and are not fully protected. However, infants 6 to 11 months old should receive an early dose before international travel. Families planning travel outside the United States or to areas experiencing outbreaks are advised to consult their child\u2019s doctor at least two weeks before departure.<\/p>\n The Health Department said people are generally considered immune if they were born before 1957, previously had measles, or received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine<\/a>, usually the MMR vaccine. Those unsure of their status should check vaccination records or contact their health care provider.<\/p>\n Individuals who have received only one dose are considered at low risk but should speak with their provider about completing the second dose.<\/p>\n What should I do if I think I’ve been exposed to measles?<\/p>\n If you are protected from measles, you do not have to do anything; MMR vaccines are extremely effective at preventing measles, health experts said.\u00a0<\/p>\n Medical professionals added that those who are unvaccinated, pregnant and not immune, immunocompromised, or caring for infants under 12 months should contact their health care provider as soon as possible for guidance. Because measles is contagious from four days before to four days after a rash appears, officials advise unvaccinated people who may have been exposed to wear a mask in indoor public settings and around unvaccinated individuals for 3 weeks following exposure.\u00a0<\/p>\n Anyone who develops symptoms consistent with measles should immediately contact their doctor and inform them of the possible exposure before seeking in-person care. Philadelphia residents can also notify the Health Department at 215-685-6740, while residents in other Pennsylvania counties may call the state health department at 877-724-3258.<\/p>\n What are the symptoms?<\/p>\n Measles<\/a> is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area.<\/p>\n Early symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough and red, watery eyes, followed by a rash.\u00a0 Measles can cause serious short- and long-term health problems including pneumonia and brain swelling, with nearly 20 percent of people who contract measles being hospitalized.<\/p>\n Where can I find the MMR vaccine for free?<\/p>\n Free MMR vaccines are available at any City of Philadelphia Health Center<\/a>, even if you do not have health insurance. Contact the city call center at 215-685-2933 to make an appointment.<\/p>\n Local pharmacies including CVS<\/a> and Walmart<\/a> also offer no-cost MMR vaccinations.\u00a0<\/p>\n Pennsylvanians can stay up to date on confirmed measles cases and vaccination efforts at pa.gov\/measles<\/a>.<\/p>\n