Pennsylvania outbreak surpasses 900 measles cases across 39 counties

# What happened Pennsylvania's measles outbreak has grown to at least 903 reported cases across 39 counties, state health officials said. The Department of Health reported 176 people hospitalized and four measles-associated deaths in 2026 to date.

# Who is affected

# What the state is doing Health is leading a statewide response that includes community outreach, coordination with health care providers, and expanded vaccine access. Specific actions cited by state officials:

• 173 pop-up vaccination clinics held in affected communities, where providers gave more than 5,300 MMR doses.
• Overall in 2026, more than 7,900 MMR doses were administered by state health center staff.
• In August 2026, more than 49,000 MMR vaccines were given across the Commonwealth. In the first three weeks of September 2026, more than 38,000 doses were administered.
• Dozens of additional pop-up clinics are scheduled based on community need and interest.

# What officials recommend State health officials say getting the MMR vaccine is the best protection against measles. They cite the vaccine's effectiveness: after two doses the MMR vaccine is about 97% effective at preventing measles for life. Officials are directing residents to the Pennsylvania Department of Health measles dashboard for up-to-date data on cases, hospitalizations, and deaths.

# Context and recent developments The outbreak has intensified since late April. State reporting highlights an increase in public vaccination activity in response: more clinics and tens of thousands of vaccine doses administered statewide in August and September 2026. Local exposures and hospital notifications have drawn attention to travel-related and community transmission events.

# Practical actions for readers If you live in Pennsylvania or plan to travel there:

• Check your or your child's MMR vaccination status. Two doses provide the strongest protection.
• If you are unvaccinated or unsure, contact a primary care provider, local pharmacy, or the Pennsylvania Department of Health to find a clinic or scheduled pop-up vaccination event.
• Monitor the Pennsylvania Department of Health measles dashboard for county-level case updates.
• If you or a household member develop fever and rash, seek medical guidance promptly and tell your provider about possible exposure so they can follow appropriate infection-control steps.

# What to watch next State officials will continue to report case counts, hospitalizations, and deaths on the health department dashboard. Vaccine clinic schedules and the number of doses administered will be updated as outreach continues.