Medical professionals administer MMR vaccines. (Image: U.S. Air Force / Wikimedia Commons — Public domain)
The Pennsylvania Health Department on Monday reported 1,286 measles cases in the state, up 26 cases from the last update on Friday, as the outbreak of the highly contagious disease continues, according to Reuters.
Here are the key details from the state health department's data: measles-related hospitalizations this year stood at 247, and Pennsylvania has reported five measles-related deaths so far.
The outbreak in Pennsylvania is the largest focus of a nationwide resurgence of the disease. The US has recorded 4,410 measles cases this year as of October 15, according to data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The CDC has confirmed two measles-associated deaths in 2026 nationally, though it has not identified the states involved. The agency said last week it would deploy additional support to Pennsylvania to help investigate the outbreak.
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms typically begin with a high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes, followed by the distinctive rash. Health officials say vaccination with the MMR vaccine — covering measles, mumps and rubella — is the most effective protection, with two doses about 97 percent effective at preventing the disease.
Officials have repeatedly urged parents to check that children are up to date with their vaccinations, warning that cases can lead to serious complications including pneumonia and inflammation of the brain, particularly in young children and people with weakened immune systems.
Pennsylvania has become the epicentre of this year's US outbreak, and state health officials say case investigations and vaccination efforts are being ramped up in the worst-affected communities as the CDC support teams arrive.