Home / Health / Pennsylvania Battles Worst Measles Outbreak in Decades
Pennsylvania Battles Worst Measles Outbreak in Decades
22 Sep
Summary
- Pennsylvania reported 792 measles cases, an increase of 25 since Friday.
- Hospitalized measles patients rose to 155, with Lancaster County most affected.
- Measles deaths reported by Pennsylvania spark disagreement between state and federal officials.
As of Monday, September 21, 2026, Pennsylvania's Department of Health reported 792 measles cases, marking a significant increase of 25 cases since Friday. The state's outbreak continues to be the epicenter of the nation's most severe measles resurgence in decades.
The number of individuals hospitalized with measles has climbed to 155, an increase from the 150 reported just days prior. Lancaster County has consistently been the most severely impacted region within the state throughout this ongoing outbreak.
Earlier in September 2026, Pennsylvania confirmed measles-related deaths among unvaccinated residents. These fatalities have ignited a public disagreement between Governor Josh Shapiro and U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. concerning the precise number of deaths directly attributable to the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is currently reviewing its classification methods for such deaths and has not yet incorporated Pennsylvania's 2026 measles fatalities into its national count.
Nationwide, the U.S. had recorded 3,471 measles cases by September 17, 2026. Measles, a highly contagious viral illness causing fever, rash, and respiratory issues, is preventable through the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine, which offers 97% effectiveness after two doses.
