DOH Confirms Sixth Measles-Associated Death

November 05, 2026

The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) this week confirmed another measles-associated death, bringing the statewide total to six.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Case details:  A Jefferson County resident died after testing positive for measles. The individual was not vaccinated, public health officials said.
  • The department does not release additional details due to privacy concerns.
• By county:  The measles-associated deaths were from Jefferson (2), Lancaster (3), and Mifflin (1) counties. Another potential measles-related death was reported in Franklin County, but state officials have not confirmed it met the criteria during their investigation.
• By the numbers:  There have been 1,467 cases across 45 counties this year and 283 hospitalizations.
  • Lancaster (501) and Mifflin (205) counties report the most cases to date.
• Key trend:  A third of the positive tests involved individuals under 18, according to state health statistics.
• State of the spread:  The state’s epidemic curve shows measles cases rising in early September and declining in each of the subsequent weeks.

If you believe you were exposed to measles, and are experiencing symptoms, contact your health care provider or call the state’s toll-free hotline at 877-PA-HEALTH (877-724-3258). Contacting your health care provider allows time for precautions to prevent the spread of the virus.

Additional information is available online.