Pennsylvania Confirms 84 Measles Cases, Urges Vaccines for Infants as Outbreak Spreads to 6 Counties
Updated
Updated · The Philadelphia Inquirer · Jun 26
Pennsylvania Confirms 84 Measles Cases, Urges Vaccines for Infants as Outbreak Spreads to 6 Counties
3 articles · Updated · The Philadelphia Inquirer · Jun 26
Summary
84 measles cases have been confirmed statewide this year, with 72 tied to the outbreak in southeastern and central Pennsylvania since April; officials said several patients have been hospitalized.
41 cases are in Lancaster County and 20 in Lebanon County, with smaller clusters in Northumberland, Berks, Dauphin and York; health officials said spread is occurring largely among unvaccinated people.
430 people have been vaccinated at regional pop-up clinics in two months, and state-run centers have given more than 1,300 MMR doses this year as contact tracing and provider outreach continue.
6-month-old infants in affected areas are now being advised to get an early measles shot, after officials warned Lancaster kindergarten vaccination is about 88.5% versus the 95% level needed to curb spread.
Measles was found in wastewater miles from the outbreak's center. Is a Philadelphia outbreak now inevitable?
With U.S. cases soaring since 2025, how close is the nation to permanently losing its measles elimination status?
As measles cases surge, will Pennsylvania reconsider the vaccine exemption laws fueling the public health crisis?
Pennsylvania’s 2026 Measles Outbreak: Over 2,100 U.S. Cases Signal National Vaccine Crisis and Threat to Elimination Status
Overview
Pennsylvania is facing a serious measles outbreak as of late June 2026, with Lancaster and Lebanon counties especially hard hit and over 60 cases reported there. The outbreak is spreading, mainly affecting people who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown, despite 94% of Pennsylvania kindergarteners being vaccinated. This highlights the vulnerability of unvaccinated groups. In response, the Pennsylvania Department of Health has launched a strong public health campaign, including active vaccination clinics across affected areas. These efforts aim to contain the outbreak and protect the community, showing the importance of vaccination in preventing further spread.