On Sept. 25, 2026, the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) reports 890 confirmed measles cases across 39 counties year-to date, and 129 cases in the last seven days. Less than 1% were fully vaccinated and 173 have been hospitalized. Two additional deaths were reported in the previous update.

Measles spreads when a person who is infected and in their contagious phase breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus remains infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after the person with infection leaves the area.  

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.