Pennsylvania measles cases rise to 1,078 as outbreak spreads October 7, 2026 1:56 PM EDT Oct 7 - Pennsylvania's health department on Wednesday reported 145 new measles cases over the past week, bringing the total to 1,078, as the state continues to grapple with a rapidly growing outbreak.

Five Pennsylvania residents have died after contracting the highly contagious disease this year, as cases in the US climb to their highest in more than three decades.

So far, 207 people with reported measles infections in Pennsylvania have been hospitalized, according to the health department's website Those below 18 years of age accounted for 33% of total cases and less than 1% of patients were fully vaccinated Lancaster County remained the hardest-hit, with 401 reported measles infections as of Wednesday The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed two measles-related deaths in the country this year, without naming the states Last month, the CDC shifted to using mortality data from the National Center for Health Statistics for measles-related deaths, rather than relying on state health departments, a change that has drawn scrutiny The CDC has also said it is working with state epidemiologists on a standard definition for measles-related deaths As of October 1, the latest federal data available, the US has reported 3,887 measles cases this year Measles is a highly contagious viral disease but can be prevented with the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, which is about 97% effective after two doses

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