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Pennsylvania’s ongoing measles outbreak has now surpassed 900 confirmed cases, as health officials report 13 additional infections and warn that the highly contagious virus continues to spread across the Commonwealth.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the state has recorded 903 confirmed measles cases so far in 2026, with infections reported in 39 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties. At least 176 people have been hospitalized, while four measles-associated deaths have been reported by state health officials. (ABC News)

13 New Measles Cases Push Pennsylvania Past 900

The latest increase represents 13 newly confirmed infections since the state’s previous update on Friday. The milestone comes only days after Pennsylvania reported 890 cases on September 25.

The outbreak has been growing rapidly throughout September. State health officials reported 792 cases on September 21, 835 on September 23, and 890 on September 25 before the total reached 903. (Pennsylvania Government)

The Pennsylvania Department of Health continues to track confirmed cases, hospitalizations, deaths and community transmission through its statewide measles surveillance system.

39 Pennsylvania Counties Have Reported Cases

Measles infections have now been documented in 39 counties across the state.

Lancaster County remains one of the major centers of the outbreak, with 363 reported cases, while Mifflin County has reported 105 cases, according to the latest reporting. (Cedar News)

The outbreak has also expanded beyond the areas where transmission was initially concentrated, with cases appearing in communities across different parts of Pennsylvania.

Philadelphia-area communities are also being monitored as health officials work to identify potential transmission and prevent additional infections. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that the outbreak has spread from rural communities in Lancaster County toward Philadelphia’s suburbs. (Inquirer)

Four Measles-Associated Deaths Reported

Pennsylvania health officials have reported four measles-associated deaths during the 2026 outbreak.

Two of the deaths involved unvaccinated adults, an 18-year-old and a 40-year-old. The other two involved infants who were too young to receive the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. (ABC News)

There is currently a difference between Pennsylvania’s state-reported deaths and the federal CDC’s national measles death count because of changes in how measles-associated deaths are being verified and included in federal statistics. As of September 24, the CDC had confirmed two measles-related deaths nationally. (Reuters)

Most Cases Are Among Unvaccinated People

The Pennsylvania Department of Health says that fewer than 1% of the state’s measles cases — four cases in total — have occurred among people who were fully vaccinated with the MMR vaccine. (ABC News)

Health officials continue to identify vaccination as the most effective protection against measles.

The department says two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective at preventing measles. (Pennsylvania Government)

Vaccination is particularly important during an outbreak because measles is one of the most contagious infectious diseases. An infected person can spread the virus to others who are not immune.

Why Measles Spreads So Easily

Measles is caused by a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or breathes.

The virus can remain in the air for a period of time after an infected person leaves an area, making transmission possible even without direct contact between people.

Early symptoms can include:

• High fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red or watery eyes
• Fatigue
• A characteristic rash that typically develops several days after the initial symptoms

Because early measles symptoms can resemble other respiratory illnesses, recognizing potential exposure and contacting a healthcare provider promptly can be important.

Pennsylvania’s Measles Outbreak Continues to Grow

The latest numbers demonstrate how quickly the outbreak has expanded.

Pennsylvania had 460 confirmed cases across 31 counties on August 28. By September 11, the total had reached 676 cases across 37 counties. The number climbed to 767 by September 18 and 792 by September 21. (Pennsylvania Government)

The total now stands at 903 cases across 39 counties.

That makes the 2026 outbreak one of the most significant measles outbreaks Pennsylvania has experienced in decades.

What Pennsylvanians Should Know

Health officials continue to encourage residents to check their vaccination records and speak with a healthcare professional if they are unsure whether they have received the recommended MMR vaccinations.

People who develop symptoms consistent with measles — particularly after a known exposure — should contact a healthcare provider before arriving at a medical facility. Calling ahead allows healthcare workers to take precautions to reduce the possibility of exposing other patients and staff.

Pennsylvanians can also monitor the state’s measles dashboard for updates on confirmed cases, affected counties, hospitalizations and other outbreak information. (Pennsylvania Government)

The Bottom Line

Pennsylvania has now surpassed 900 confirmed measles cases in 2026, with 903 infections reported across 39 counties. The latest update adds 13 new cases, while the outbreak has resulted in at least 176 hospitalizations and four measles-associated deaths according to Pennsylvania health officials. (ABC News)

As the outbreak continues, vaccination remains a central tool for preventing measles transmission and protecting people who cannot be vaccinated, including infants who are too young to receive the MMR vaccine.

For the latest information, residents should rely on updates from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and local health authorities rather than unverified social media reports.