PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Health announced Monday that the state’s measles outbreak has reached 792 confirmed cases, up 25 from the previous Friday count. Hospitalizations have also climbed, with 155 patients now in care, five more than reported on September 18.
Hardest‑hit area remains Lancaster County
Lancaster County continues to bear the brunt of the outbreak, accounting for a significant share of the cases and hospitalizations. Local health officials are urging residents to seek vaccination promptly, noting that the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is 97 % effective after two doses.
Disagreement over reported deaths
Earlier this month, Pennsylvania reported measles‑related deaths among residents who had not received the vaccine. Governor Josh Shapiro and U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have exchanged statements over how many fatalities were directly caused by the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has not yet added the state’s 2026 measles deaths to its national tally, saying it is reviewing the classification of those deaths.
National context
According to CDC data, the United States has recorded 3,471 measles cases this year as of September 17. While the numbers remain far below the levels seen in past global epidemics, health officials stress that measles is highly contagious and can lead to serious complications, including fever, rash, respiratory issues, and, in rare cases, death.
Vaccination remains the safest defense
Public‑health experts continue to emphasize that the MMR vaccine is the most reliable tool for preventing measles. The vaccine is administered in two doses during childhood, typically at ages 12‑15 months and 4‑6 years. Health officials encourage parents to verify their children’s immunization records and to schedule any missed doses without delay.
What families can do
Families in Pennsylvania are urged to:
- Check that children have received both doses of the MMR vaccine.
- Consult their pediatrician if they have questions about vaccine safety.
- Stay informed about local health department alerts and clinic vaccination hours.
Community clinics across the state are offering free or low‑cost vaccination appointments to help increase coverage. By acting quickly, families can protect their children and help curb the spread of this preventable disease.
Looking ahead
The state health department says it will continue to monitor the situation closely, providing regular updates on case numbers, hospitalizations, and any additional deaths. Officials remain confident that with higher vaccination rates, the outbreak can be contained and future spikes avoided.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
