Pa. Reaches 1,000 Measles Cases

October 05, 2026

Pennsylvania surpassed 1,000 measles cases, the Department of Health reported on Monday.

The state continues to be at center of the resurgence of the virus. Pennsylvania is first in cases ahead of South Carolina (670) and Utah (535).

Here are five things to know:

• By the numbers:  There have been 1,004 cases reported this year across 39 counties. About 32 percent of the cases involved children.
  • Lancaster (391) and Mifflin counties (118) have the highest reported confirmed cases in the state.
  • The state has reported five measles-associated deaths.
• Severe cases:  Nearly 20 percent of cases have required hospitalization, which is ahead of the nationwide rate (9%).
• Vaccine effectiveness:  Just four confirmed measles cases have involved fully vaccinated individuals. The vaccine is estimated to be 97 percent effective after two doses.
• National perspective:  There have been 3,887 cases reported nationally to date. During 2025, there were 2,289 cases for the full year.
• The basics:  Common measles symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes; followed a few days later by a rash that starts on the head and spreads downward.
  • People who believe they were exposed to measles, and are experiencing symptoms, should contact their health care provider or call the state’s free hotline at 877-PA-HEALTH (877-724-3258).
  • Calling your provider ahead of time allows for preparations to help limit the spread of this highly contagious virus.

Additional information is available online.