5 Measles Cases Reported in Pa.

February 06, 2026

Five measles cases were confirmed in Lancaster County, the Pennsylvania Department of Health reported this week.

The cases are the first reported in 2026 and the first outbreak involving three or more linked cases. Through January 29, 588 cases have been confirmed in the U.S. across 17 states. Of those cases, 94 percent were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Background:  On January 30, the state confirmed five measles cases involving school-aged children and young adults.
  • One case was unrelated to the outbreak and was travel-related, officials said.
• For health care providers:  Providers should maintain heightened clinical suspicion for measles particularly among unvaccinated or under-vaccinated patients.
• Symptoms:  Measles symptoms include fever and rash, especially among those who are unvaccinated.
• Travel note:  Earlier this month, the Philadelphia Health Department issued its own notification for travelers of a potential exposure at the Philadelphia International Airport and two nearby train stations.
• Bottom line:  “The DOH urges all Pennsylvanians to stay up to date on their MMR vaccinations,” the advisory notes. “To minimize exposure, providers should implement appropriate infection-prevention measures when measles is suspected and notify the infection control personnel.”
  • The also should encourage patients to notify their facilities before arrival and involve infection prevention and control personnel to begin facility-specific guidance.

Providers must immediately report suspected measles cases to local public health authorities or to DOH at 877-PA-HEALTH (877-724-3258). Additional information is available online in the DOH’s health alert.