The Spread of Measles in Pa., U.S.

March 09, 2026

Health leaders in Pennsylvania and the U.S. continue to monitor measles cases as reports climb across the nation.

Last month, the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) issued an advisory to strengthen surveillance and vaccination efforts in response to a sharp increase in measles cases.

Here’s what you need to know:

• State perspective:  Pennsylvania has had 12 reported cases this year. That's compared to 16 last year and six reported during 2024.
  • Five measles cases were confirmed in Lancaster County, the Pennsylvania Department of Health reported last month.
  • The Philadelphia Health Department also noted a possible exposure in the Philadelphia Airport terminal.
• Severe cases: About 5 percent of the reported cases required hospitalization, with 7  percent of those hospitalizations in children under 5, and 8 percent in people 20 and over.
• A look back:  Last year, the U.S. recorded the most measles cases (2,283) in over 30 years. About 1,280 reports have been reported to date.
• Vaccination:  About 93 percent of cases were in unvaccinated people or those with unknown vaccination status. This matches last year’s rate.
  • Pennsylvania's vaccination rate for school-age children was 93.7 percent for the 2024–2025 school year. That's down from 95.5 percent for the 2020–2021 school year.
• Quotable:  “We strongly encourage parents to follow the immunization schedule and get their children fully vaccinated as soon as they are able,” said Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson, Philadelphia health commissioner. “People planning to travel outside the United States or to locations within the United States with large outbreaks should speak with their doctor about their travel plans and vaccinations needed.”

Measles symptoms include fever and rash, especially among those who are unvaccinated. Providers must immediately report suspected measles cases to local public health authorities or to the Department of Health at 877-PA-HEALTH (877-724-3258).

Additional information about this year’s measles reporting is available online.