Pennsylvania Measles Cases Hit 1,505 as US Elimination Status Faces Review This Week

What changed

Pennsylvania reported 1,505 confirmed measles cases as of November 9, 2026, up 18 from the prior update. The state has 290 hospitalizations and six measles-associated deaths this year. Nationally, the CDC counted 5,182 cases as of November 5—the highest annual total since 1991.

Background

Measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000. Outbreaks this year are concentrated among unvaccinated people (96% of US cases). Pennsylvania remains the hardest-hit state, followed by South Carolina and Utah. Lancaster County accounts for roughly a third of Pennsylvania’s cases. People under 18 make up about 33% of state cases; fewer than 1% of infected people were fully vaccinated.

Competing viewpoints

Health officials stress that two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective and urge vaccination. Some communities cite religious or personal beliefs for declining vaccines. A Pan American Health Organization expert commission is meeting this week to review whether the US still meets measles elimination criteria. Losing the status would be largely symbolic but signals sustained community transmission of a vaccine-preventable disease.

What to watch next

Watch the PAHO review outcome this week. Track Pennsylvania’s dashboard for new cases and any additional death confirmations (a seventh has been reported but not yet confirmed by the state). Check local health department guidance for exposure notices, especially in Lancaster, Mifflin, Chester, and Jefferson counties. Parents of unvaccinated children should discuss MMR timing with their pediatrician; infants under 12 months are particularly vulnerable.

Sources: Reuters (Nov 9), Pennsylvania Department of Health, CDC data through Nov 5, Philadelphia Inquirer.