Pennsylvania Reports 792 Measles Cases Amid U.S. Total of 3,471

The Pennsylvania Department of Health announced on Monday, September 22, 2026, that the state had recorded 792 measles cases — an increase of 25 from the figure reported on Friday. The outbreak continues to spread across the state, which is experiencing one of the largest measles resurgences in recent years.

State hospitalizations rise amid outbreak

Fifteen-five patients with measles are currently hospitalized in Pennsylvania, up from 150 reported on September 18. The department confirmed these figures as part of its ongoing surveillance and reporting during the active transmission period.

Deaths spark federal-state disagreement

Earlier in September, Pennsylvania reported measles-related deaths among unvaccinated individuals. This prompted a public disagreement between Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over how many fatalities should be directly attributed to the measles virus.

CDC has not yet included Pennsylvania deaths in national tally

As of the latest available data, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has not incorporated the 2026 measles deaths recorded in Pennsylvania into its national mortality statistics. The agency stated it is reviewing its classification methodology for such fatalities.

National case count reaches 3,471

According to CDC data, the United States has documented 3,471 measles cases since the start of 2026 through September 17. Pennsylvania accounts for the largest share of those infections.

Disease characteristics and prevention

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness. Common symptoms include fever and rash; respiratory complications may also occur. Prevention relies on the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, a routine childhood immunization with 97% effectiveness after two doses.