Pennsylvania health officials reported 20 newly confirmed measles cases since Wednesday, bringing the state’s 2026 total to 1,487 cases across 45 counties.
The Department of Health said Friday that 287 people have been hospitalized and six measles-associated deaths have been confirmed this year. Five cases involved vaccinated people, representing less than one percent of the statewide total.
About 300 department employees are working with residents, community organizations and health-care providers on outbreak response and access to the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine. State health-center staff have administered more than 7,000 MMR vaccinations at 244 pop-up clinics since the outbreak began in late April. Combined with doses given at state health centers, department nurses have administered more than 11,000 doses this year.
The department says two documented doses of the MMR vaccine provide 97 percent lifetime protection. People with two documented doses do not need another. Adults with one dose or without vaccination records should speak with a health-care provider or pharmacist.
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus. Early symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes, followed by a rash that begins on the head and spreads downward. Symptoms can begin seven to 21 days after exposure.
Anyone who believes they were exposed and develops symptoms should contact a health-care provider or call the Pennsylvania Department of Health at 877-724-3258. The department says people can also contact a provider, local health department, state health center or participating community health center about vaccination.
