Pennsylvania measles cases reach 1,078 as U.S. tally nears 4,000
Pennsylvania now counts 1,078 measles cases in 41 counties this year, adding 74 since Monday. Many of the new cases were older illnesses only recently reported. Nationally, the CDC counts 3,887 cases in 2026, while a Johns Hopkins tally has passed 4,000.
Pennsylvania's measles outbreak keeps growing on paper, though state officials say the latest jump is not a new surge.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health said 1,078 cases have been confirmed in 41 counties so far in 2026. That includes 74 new cases since Oct. 5. More than 40 of those were people who got sick more than two weeks ago and are no longer contagious. Their cases were reported late. "Today's update does not reflect a current surge in new infections," the department said.
The state has confirmed five measles-related deaths. Only four cases, less than 1%, were in vaccinated people. Nearly 20% of people with measles in Pennsylvania have been hospitalized.
Demand for shots has jumped. Pennsylvania doctors usually give about 25,000 MMR doses a month. They gave more than 49,000 in August and more than 56,000 in September. State nurses have given more than 5,700 shots at 198 pop-up clinics since the outbreak began in late April.
Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention counts 3,887 cases in 2026, USA Today reported. Johns Hopkins University, which keeps its own count, says cases have passed 4,000. The CDC lists only two measles deaths this year, even though Pennsylvania alone has reported five.
Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Utah have each topped 500 cases. The CDC has recorded 42 outbreaks, or groups of three or more linked cases. Those make up about 95% of all cases. New York declared a statewide measles disaster emergency on Oct. 5.
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases. Nine in 10 unvaccinated people exposed to it will catch it, the CDC says. It spreads through coughs and sneezes, and the virus can stay in the air for up to two hours. Symptoms start with fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, followed by a rash. Two doses of the MMR vaccine protect about 97% of people for life.
Eighteen states had MMR vaccination rates below 90% last school year, USA Today noted. Community protection works best when coverage tops 95%, according to the CDC.
What we know: Pennsylvania's count passed 1,000 and keeps climbing as late reports come in.
What we don't: When the CDC's next national update will close the gap with state counts.
Where outlets agree The Pennsylvania Department of Health and USA Today both report Pennsylvania has confirmed five measles-related deaths this year.
Where they differ The CDC lists only two measles deaths nationwide this year, while Pennsylvania alone reports five, and Johns Hopkins counts more cases than the CDC.