Harrisburg, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) said today that 44 counties in Pennsylvania have confirmed 1,398 cases of measles thus far in 2026.
The most recent data on cases, hospital admissions, and fatalities is accessible on our measles dashboard as DOH continues to spearhead Pennsylvania’s vigorous response to the continuing epidemic.
Even though daily figures vary, monitoring these patterns gives Pennsylvanians and medical professionals insight on community transmission throughout the Commonwealth and supports DOH’s continuous response. Additional case count ranges and a county map are now included in the dashboard, along with year-to-date hospitalization rates for particular age groups.
Key updates include:
- Since October 26, 2026, there have been 38 newly confirmed cases.
- Counties in total: 44
1,398 total cumulative cases - Hospitalizations overall: 265
- Five confirmed deaths were linked to the measles.
- Measles cases among vaccinated people: 4 (less than 1% of cases)
Outreach and Response
In order to address the measles epidemic in the Commonwealth, some 300 DOH employees are actively collaborating with locals, community groups, and medical professionals to give fact-based information and the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination.
Since the epidemic started in late April, state health center employees have given almost 6,747 MMR vaccines at 229 pop-up immunization clinics in the impacted communities. Depending on community need and interest, many more vaccination clinics are planned over the next weeks and months. DOH nurses had given out around 10,700 MMR at state health facilities and pop-up clinics combined.
Getting fully vaccinated is still the greatest defense against measles. When given in two doses, the MMR vaccination strengthens a person’s immune system and offers 97% lifelong protection.
For babies aged 6 to 11 months who reside in or travel to counties marked on the measles dashboard for continuous community transmission, DOH advises an extra early zero dosage due to the ongoing spread of the disease; the early dose does not take the place of the two regular doses. If a child is 12 months of age or older and has not yet gotten a dosage, they should receive one now and another at least 28 days later.
Measles Symptoms and Transmission
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus that can cause both short-term and long-term health issues, including as brain swelling and pneumonia. Approximately 20% of persons who are diagnosed with measles by the Department of Health are hospitalized. Although it is uncommon, one to three individuals die from measles for every 1,000 infections.
When an infected individual breathes, coughs, or sneezes, the disease might spread. Up to two hours after the infected individual departs the location, the virus can still spread through the air and on surfaces.
Marked by a rash that begins on the scalp and moves downward. without enough defense.
