Key facts
- Pennsylvania has reported 977 measles cases as of Friday.
- Five unvaccinated individuals have died from measles in Pennsylvania this year.
- The US has recorded 3,887 measles cases nationwide this year as of October 1.
- Measles is preventable with the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine, which is 97% effective after two doses.
- Pennsylvania has confirmed 693 measles cases across 38 counties in 2026 as of September 14.
- Two measles-associated deaths were confirmed in Pennsylvania as of September 14.
Pennsylvania's health department reported 977 measles cases as of Friday, as the state continues to battle a fast-growing outbreak of the disease. The state has recorded five measles-associated deaths this year, all of whom were unvaccinated. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed only two measles-related deaths nationwide this year. The US has recorded 3,887 measles cases this year as of October 1, according to CDC data. The CDC is working with state epidemiologists on a standard definition for measles-related deaths. Pennsylvania remains the center of the nation's measles surge. Measles is a highly contagious viral disease but preventable with the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, which is 97% effective after two doses.
According to an earlier update from the Pennsylvania Department of Health on September 14, 2026, 693 measles cases had been confirmed across 38 counties. That update also confirmed two measles-associated deaths and 133 hospitalizations. At that time, only 4 cases, less than 1% of the total, were among vaccinated individuals. The department also noted awareness of a possible third measles-associated death being investigated by the Jefferson County coroner. State health officials had administered nearly 4,300 MMR vaccinations at 130 pop-up clinics since the outbreak began in late April, and health care providers administered over 46,000 MMR vaccines in August 2026, a significant increase from the typical monthly average of 25,000.