Cases of measles have been reported in 39 counties across Pennsylvania — making it the largest outbreak in the nation. The state had confirmed 903 cases and 176 hospitalizations as of September 28. Two of the deaths occurred among unvaccinated adults — an 18-year-old and a 40-year-old woman.
Pennsylvania has recorded 903 measles cases across 39 counties as health officials respond to the nation’s largest current outbreak.
Health officials in Pennsylvania have administered more than 8,300 doses of the MMR vaccine so far this year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported one measles death in its national 2026 count though Pennsylvania has confirmed four measles-associated deaths. The CDC recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine — the first between 12 and 15 months of age and the second between 4 and 6 years old.
CDC data shows that vaccination rates have been lower in recent years with 92.4% of kindergartners receiving the MMR vaccine during the 2025-26 school year. Medical experts advise people who may have been exposed to measles to speak with a healthcare provider but avoid entering urgent care or emergency rooms without calling ahead. In Mifflin County an 18-year-old Amish woman died from complications of measles after being hospitalized for weeks according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
She had been infected with the virus and developed acute disseminated encephalomyelitis — a rare and severe neurological complication of measles.
The young woman was unvaccinated and lived in an Amish community where many residents avoid immunization. Her two older brothers had also caught the disease but recovered after about a week and a half. The family initially believed she would get better but her condition worsened after six days with fever and rash.
She was taken to a local hospital and later transferred to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville for intensive care. Her parents were unable to visit her due to hospital policies that restrict unvaccinated visitors. The teenager died less than 26 hours after being moved back home from the hospital.
The outbreak has affected hundreds of people in Amish communities and Pennsylvania has classified two August infant deaths in Lancaster County as measles-associated. Lancaster County is the epicenter of the outbreak with 363 infections while Mifflin County has 105 cases. Experts say measles usually resolves within a few weeks but serious complications can be fatal.
The hospital where the young woman was treated did not comment on her case due to patient privacy laws. In Shawnee County in Kansas a separate measles exposure was reported at the Stormont Vail Health Emergency Room according to WIBW. Health officials advised people who were there during the exposure period to watch for symptoms until October 12.
People considered susceptible were also advised to avoid certain healthcare and childcare settings until at least October 12 2026. Health officials said there were no confirmed measles cases in Shawnee County at the time of the notice. Individuals born in 1957 or later who lack age-appropriate vaccination or other proof of immunity may be considered susceptible.
Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads through the air and does not require close contact to transmit.
Public health officials urge families to ensure they are up to date on measles vaccinations to protect themselves and others. Two doses of MMR are about 97% effective at preventing measles according to the CDC.
IMAGE: 2025 to 2026 Total Measles Cases by US State as of Aug 13th 2026 Source https://mailchi.mp/messages/pandemic-center-tracking-report-8-13-12775944 Author The Pandemic Center CC4