Pennsylvania Reports Another Measles-Associated Death
A sixth death linked to measles has been reported in Pennsylvania as the state's worst outbreak in more than three decades passes 1,000 confirmed cases.
Pennsylvania has recorded a sixth measles-associated death this year, as health officials continue to battle an outbreak that has now spread to more than 40 counties.
The latest case
According to a county coroner's report, the latest death involved an unvaccinated 39-year-old woman in Franklin County who had several underlying health conditions and had recently been treated for measles. The coroner listed a probable cardiac event, possibly a complication of measles, as the primary cause.
The state's first two deaths, in Lancaster County, were announced in late August — Pennsylvania's first measles-associated deaths in 35 years. Two more, in Jefferson and Mifflin counties, followed in mid-September, and a fifth was reported at the end of the month. All of the deaths officials have described involved unvaccinated people.
By the numbers
- 1,078 confirmed cases in Pennsylvania across 41 counties (as of Oct. 7).
- 207 people hospitalized; fewer than 1% of cases were in vaccinated people.
- 4,080 confirmed cases nationwide this year (CDC, Oct. 8) — well above 2025's total.
- 97% lifetime protection from two doses of the MMR vaccine.
What health officials recommend
- Make sure you and your children are fully vaccinated with two doses of MMR.
- Call a health care provider before visiting if you have symptoms or may have been exposed — early signs look like other respiratory illnesses.
- Symptoms can appear 7 to 21 days after exposure, and the virus can linger in the air for up to two hours.
- Pennsylvania residents can call the Department of Health at 877-PA-HEALTH with exposure questions.
The state has held nearly 200 pop-up vaccination clinics in affected communities. Nationally, kindergarten MMR coverage sits below the 95% level the CDC associates with community protection.
Why measles is so dangerous
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known. Up to 9 in 10 unvaccinated people who are exposed will catch it. Early symptoms — high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes — appear before the telltale rash, which usually starts on the face and spreads downward.
Most people recover, but measles can cause pneumonia, brain swelling (encephalitis) and death, especially in young children, pregnant people and those with weakened immune systems. It can also weaken the immune system for months afterward.
How the outbreak grew
- Aug. 25, 2026First two measles-associated deaths announced in Lancaster County — the state's first in 35 years.
- Sept. 15, 2026Two more deaths confirmed in Jefferson and Mifflin counties; 693 cases in 38 counties.
- Sept. 30, 2026A fifth death is reported as the outbreak nears 1,000 cases.
- Oct. 7, 20261,078 confirmed cases across 41 counties, with 207 hospitalizations.
- Oct. 10, 2026Coroner reports a sixth death, in Franklin County.
Quick answers
When should children get the MMR vaccine?
The CDC recommends the first dose at 12–15 months and the second at 4–6 years. Adults unsure of their status should ask a health care provider.
Can vaccinated people get measles?
It is rare. Two doses are about 97% effective, and in Pennsylvania fewer than 1% of cases have been in vaccinated people.
What should I do if I think I was exposed?
Call your doctor or clinic before going in so they can prevent spread to others, and watch for symptoms for up to three weeks.