Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) today 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:
- 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
- Measles cases among vaccinated individuals: 5 (less than 1% of cases)
Measles-associated deaths
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.
To be considered measles-associated per DOH’s epidemiological definition, a death must meet all of the following criteria:
- Death must occur within 30 days of symptom onset in an individual with clinical evidence of a measles infection and a positive laboratory test
- Death must not be due to unrelated causes (e.g., motor vehicle accident)
- Additional information, such as whether an individual was exposed to a confirmed measles case prior to death or supporting medical records, are also considered.
DOH appreciates that the Franklin County coroner made DOH and the public aware of this case. DOH continues to work with coroners throughout the state to improve communications and refine death reporting standards during the ongoing measles outbreak.
Outreach and Response
State health center staff have administered more than 6,800 MMR vaccinations at 241 pop-up vaccination clinics in the affected communities since the outbreak began in late April. Dozens of additional vaccine clinics are scheduled for the upcoming weeks and months, based on community interest and need. In pop-up clinics and at state health centers combined, DOH nurses have administered more than 10,900 MMR vaccine doses to residents across the Commonwealth in 2026.
Statewide, health care providers have also seen a surge of interest from residents seeking MMR vaccinations. In a typical month, Pennsylvania health care providers administer approximately 25,000 doses of the MMR vaccine. In September and October more than 56,000 and 61,000 doses were administered, respectively.
Getting Vaccinated
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.
Residents interested in getting vaccinated should contact their trusted health care provider.
MMR vaccine is available across the state by contacting a health care provider, a pharmacy, county or municipal health department, DOH State Health Center, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), or a Vaccines for Children (VFC) program.
Measles Symptoms and Transmission
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus that can cause serious short- and long-term health problems including pneumonia and brain swelling, with nearly 20 percent of people identified by DOH with measles being hospitalized. Death from measles, though rare, occurs in one to three patients per 1,000 cases.
Measles spreads when a person who is infected breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus remains infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after the person with the infection leaves the area.
Symptoms begin with fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis), followed a few days later by a rash that starts on the head and spreads downward. Without proper protection or supportive care, measles can be deadly. Symptoms can start 7 to 21 days after exposure. People are typically contagious 4 days before and 4 days after rash onset.
People who believe they were exposed to measles, and are experiencing symptoms, should contact their health care provider or call DOH’s toll-free hotline at 877-PA-HEALTH (877-724-3258).
More information about measles is available online at: www.pa.gov/measles.
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