Pennsylvania Measles Cases Pass 1,000 as Outbreak Turns Deadly

The measles outbreak in Pennsylvania now has the unwanted distinction of being the largest state outbreak in the U.S. in three decades. Here is the latest on the situation unfolding in the Commonwealth.

Pennsylvania Measles Outbreak Tops 1,000 Cases

A new update from the Pennsylvania Department of Health is painting a dire picture as the state races to contain a measles outbreak. The Monday, October 5 update noted that the state has logged 1,004 measles cases thus far in 2026. This volume eclipses the previous record outbreak in South Carolina from earlier in the year.

The current outbreak in Pennsylvania started in April. Since that time, 198 people have been hospitalized, and five people have died. There were 106 new cases confirmed last week alone.

The health department reported that fewer than 1% of people diagnosed were fully vaccinated, pointing to the unvaccinated population as the reason behind the outbreak. The agency also confirmed that 32% of the confirmed cases were in individuals under the age of 18. This demographic has also seen a higher hospitalization rate, coming in at 18% of total cases.

When will the outbreak dissipate? Not any time soon, according to Dr. John Goldman, an infectious disease expert at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Goldman told NBC News that “I would bet that this goes on for at least another three to six months. We have seen an increase in vaccinations, but we aren’t seeing enough people get vaccinated to stop the epidemic.”

Children are especially vulnerable to the disease and its resulting complications. Dr. Evan Shirey, a pediatric infectious disease physician at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital, told NBC News that "One of the more common things that the measles virus can do is cause hepatitis or infection of the liver." Shirey explained that “These children will feel very sick, very nauseous, with abdominal pain and vomiting, and they can’t take a bottle or can’t keep food or liquid down.”

Shirey also noted that measles in children carries a higher risk of triggering brain inflammation. This can lead to irreversible neurological damage or dangerous secondary bacterial infections.

Other Measles Outbreaks in the U.S.

Measles outbreaks have become increasingly common in the U.S. in recent years as vaccination rates continue to drop. South Carolina's outbreak began in October 2025 and did not wrap up until April of 2026. This outbreak topped out at 997 cases.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that there have been 3,887 total measles cases in the U.S. in 2026 as of October 1. The nation's leading health agency also reported that there have been 42 unique outbreaks this year.

The CDC strongly recommends that children receive two doses of the MMR vaccine to prevent measles, as well as mumps and rubella. The first dose is recommended between 12 and 15 months, followed by a second dose administered between the ages of 4 and 6. According to the CDC, the two doses translate to 97% protection against measles.  

Shortly after Pennsylvania confirmed its fifth fatality at the hands of measles, the CDC released a statement noting that it “has mounted an aggressive response to measles outbreaks across the country.” The agency detailed that “Texas, South Carolina, Virginia, Kansas, New Mexico, and Wisconsin requested CDC Epi-Aids and worked alongside federal teams to help bring their outbreaks rapidly and successfully under control,” adding that the “CDC has not received a formal Epi-Aid request from Pennsylvania” and “if requested, CDC stands ready to deploy epidemiologists to support the state’s identified needs.”

Measles is a highly contagious virus that is spread through the air. Roughly 90% of unvaccinated people who are exposed to the droplets will become infected. The droplets are spread in the air or on surfaces after an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or simply talks.

One of the reasons why measles is one of the most contagious viruses known is that the droplets can remain airborne for up to two hours after the infected person leaves the room. A person is contagious for approximately four to five days before the distinguishing rash appears. Symptoms generally present themselves 7 to 14 days after the initial exposure.

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