(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – This undated image made available by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Feb. 4, 2015, shows an electron microscope image of a measles virus particle. (Cynthia Goldsmith/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, via AP, File) (JEFFERSON COUNTY, PA-AP))
Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News
(Harrisburg, PA) The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) announced yesterday that 835 measles cases have been confirmed across 39 counties in Pennsylvania so far in 2026. The Pennsylvania Department of Health continues to lead the robust response in Pennsylvania to the ongoing outbreak of measles and is making the most up-to-date information on cases, deaths and hospitalizations available on their measles dashboard at pa.gov/measles (click here to learn more.)
According to a release from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, here are the key updates that they include and more information about measles and how to treat it:
- New Positive Cases (since September 21, 2026): 43
- Total Counties: 39
- Total Cumulative Cases: 835
- Total Hospitalizations: 164
- Total Confirmed Measles-Associated Deaths: 4
- Measles cases among vaccinated individuals: 4 (less than 1% of cases)
Outreach and Response
- DOH is proactively working with residents, community organizations, and health care providers to combat the measles outbreak in the Commonwealth through access to fact-based information and access to the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
- State health officials have administered nearly 5,200 MMR vaccinations at 156 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. Overall, state health center staff have administered more than 7,700 MMR vaccine doses to residents across the Commonwealth in 2026.
- Health care providers have also seen a surge of interest from residents seeking MMR vaccinations. In a typical month, Pennsylvania health care providers administer approximately 25,000 doses of the MMR vaccine. In August 2026, more than 49,000 MMR vaccines were administered across the Commonwealth and over the first three weeks of September 2026, more than 38,000 doses have been administered.
Getting Vaccinated
- The best protection against measles remains getting fully vaccinated. The MMR vaccine, administered over two doses, boosts a person’s immune system and provides 97% lifetime protection. People who have two documented doses of MMR do not need another. Adults who have only one dose, or who cannot find their vaccination records, should talk with a health care provider or pharmacist about getting vaccinated.
- Residents interested in getting vaccinated should contact their trusted health care provider.
- 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
- Measles is a highly contagious virus that 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. Death from measles, though rare, occurs in one to three patients per 1,000 cases.
- 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
).
