Measles Outbreak in Pennsylvania, Cases Reach 1,286 in 42 Counties
The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) today announced that 1,286 measles cases have been confirmed across 42 counties in Pennsylvania so far in 2026.
DOH continues to lead Pennsylvania’s robust response to the ongoing measles outbreak and is making the most up-to-date information on cases, hospitalizations, and deaths available on its measles dashboard.
While daily numbers fluctuate, tracking these trends provides Pennsylvanians and health care providers with visibility into community transmission across the Commonwealth and helps inform DOH’s ongoing response.
Key updates include:
New Positive Cases (since October 16, 2026): 26
Total Counties: 42
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,286
Total Hospitalizations: 247
Total Confirmed Measles-Associated Deaths: 5
Measles cases among vaccinated individuals: 4 (less than 1% of cases)
Contracting measles while pregnant increases the risk of miscarriage, early labor, and low birth weight. Babies who contract measles before or during birth can also become very sick and are at risk for health complications later in life.
DOH issued a Health Alert Network notice today outlining clinical guidance for health care providers treating pregnant women who become infected with measles and newborns with possible measles.
Postpartum mothers who are not immune to measles should receive the MMR vaccine to protect themselves and reduce the risk of exposing their infants. MMR vaccination is safe for breastfeeding mothers. Family and household members who will live with, or care for, the infant are also encouraged to get vaccinated to provide a protective bubble around the infant and keep them safe until they are eligible to be vaccinated.
Non-immune pregnant women and babies who are exposed to measles can be given immunoglobulin within six days of the initial exposure. Immunoglobulin can provide protection against measles infection or reduce the risk of serious illness among susceptible people.
Providers caring for pregnant patients with suspected or confirmed measles, or newborns with possible congenital measles, must immediately report suspected measles cases to the local public health department or DOH at 877-PA-HEALTH (877-724-3258).
DOH continues to lead Pennsylvania’s robust response to the ongoing measles outbreak and is making the most up-to-date information on cases, hospitalizations, and deaths available on its measles dashboard.
While daily numbers fluctuate, tracking these trends provides Pennsylvanians and health care providers with visibility into community transmission across the Commonwealth and helps inform DOH’s ongoing response.
Key updates include:
New Positive Cases (since October 16, 2026): 26
Total Counties: 42
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,286
Total Hospitalizations: 247
Total Confirmed Measles-Associated Deaths: 5
Measles cases among vaccinated individuals: 4 (less than 1% of cases)
Contracting measles while pregnant increases the risk of miscarriage, early labor, and low birth weight. Babies who contract measles before or during birth can also become very sick and are at risk for health complications later in life.
DOH issued a Health Alert Network notice today outlining clinical guidance for health care providers treating pregnant women who become infected with measles and newborns with possible measles.
Postpartum mothers who are not immune to measles should receive the MMR vaccine to protect themselves and reduce the risk of exposing their infants. MMR vaccination is safe for breastfeeding mothers. Family and household members who will live with, or care for, the infant are also encouraged to get vaccinated to provide a protective bubble around the infant and keep them safe until they are eligible to be vaccinated.
Non-immune pregnant women and babies who are exposed to measles can be given immunoglobulin within six days of the initial exposure. Immunoglobulin can provide protection against measles infection or reduce the risk of serious illness among susceptible people.
Providers caring for pregnant patients with suspected or confirmed measles, or newborns with possible congenital measles, must immediately report suspected measles cases to the local public health department or DOH at 877-PA-HEALTH (877-724-3258).
