On Nov. 4, 2026, the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) confirmed that an unvaccinated resident of Jefferson County tested positive for measles and has died.  This is the sixth confirmed measles-associated death in Pennsylvania. The death was reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and added to Pennsylvania’s measles dashboard. The number of confirmed measles cases stands at 1,467 across 45 counties so far in 2026.

To protect the privacy of the individual and their family, DOH will not release any additional details that could personally identify them. DOH is bound by laws that limit what can be shared publicly, and families deserve the dignity to mourn in private. 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 robust response.

Key updates include:

• Measles cases among vaccinated individuals: 5 (less than 1% of cases)
• Newly Confirmed Cases (since November 2, 2026): 34
• Total Counties: 45
• Total Cumulative Cases: 1,467
• Total Hospitalizations: 283
• Total Confirmed Measles-Associated Deaths: 6

As of November 4, DOH has confirmed six measles-associated deaths in Pennsylvania this year. The deceased were residents from Jefferson (2), Lancaster (3) and Mifflin (1) counties. DOH is aware of a reported death of a Franklin County resident in October. However, as of November 4, DOH’s thorough investigation has not yet found any Franklin County cases meeting the required criteria to be confirmed as a measles-associated death.

The best protection against measles remains getting fully vaccinated. The MMR vaccine, administered over two doses, boosts a person’s immune system and provides 97% lifetime protection. Because measles continues to spread, DOH recommends an additional early zero dose for infants aged 6 through 11 months who live in or travel to counties flagged on the measles dashboard for sustained community transmission; the early dose does not replace the two routine doses. Children 12 months and older who have not received any dose should get one now and a second dose at least 28 days later. 

People who have two documented doses of MMR do not need another. Adults who have only one dose, or who cannot find their vaccination records, should talk with a health care provider or pharmacist about getting vaccinated.