Health Department Monitoring Measles Activity in Pennsylvania

Published on February 05, 2026

Health Department Monitoring Measles Activity in Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH – The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) is closely monitoring the evolving situation of confirmed measles cases in the Commonwealth. Currently there are zero confirmed cases of measles in Allegheny County.

The five confirmed measles cases in Lancaster County on February 3, 2026, were determined by the Pennsylvania Department of Health as being individuals who were not vaccinated. According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 97% of the measles cases in the United States are people who are not vaccinated, or their vaccination status is unknown. Nationally, In January 2026 alone, 662 measles cases were reported.

Measles is one of the most contagious viruses on Earth and poses significant risk of hospitalization or death to those who contract it. Up to 90% of people exposed to measles who are not immune will become infected. Children under the age of five, individuals with preexisting lung disease, and immunocompromised individuals are at highest risk of complications from measles. Complications from measles can range from ear infections and diarrhea to more severe health effects like pneumonia (infection of the lungs), encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and death. Additionally, measles may cause pregnant women to give birth prematurely or have low-birth-weight babies. There is also a very rare deadly disease called subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) that can occur several years after a person has measles.

The most safe and effective prevention for measles is getting the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. One dose of the MMR vaccine is 93% effective against measles, while two doses is 97% effective, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

We highly recommend every resident check their immunization record and speak with their personal healthcare provider or visit the ACHD Immunization Clinic to discuss how to protect themselves and their loved ones from measles.

ACHD remains prepared for measles in multiple ways:

  • Conducting wastewater surveillance testing to identify the presence of measles cases within our county as early as possible.
  • Monitoring emergency department visit and disease reports daily
  • Robust testing procedures in place to investigate suspected cases, identify close contacts, and mitigate the risk of community transmission
  • Coordinating with other jurisdictions to identify county residents who have been exposed to confirmed measles cases via attendance at events or during air travel, review their immunity status and help them access care and MMR vaccine if they are not fully vaccinated, and monitor their health during the period where they may develop symptoms to ensure that they do not spread illness in the community
  • Assessing school immunization coverage annually and offer resources to those with lower coverage
  • Maintaining regular communication with healthcare providers, healthcare staff in congregate care settings, schools, and childcare centers as well as providing guidance on what they should do if they suspect that a patient or student has measles
  • Participating in routine calls with the Pennsylvania Department of Health and infectious disease epidemiologists throughout the United States to maintain situational awareness of outbreaks, better understand trends, and identify successful prevention and mitigation campaigns
  • Providing MMR vaccine to residents through the ACHD Immunization Clinic
  • The ACHD Public Health Lab offers testing to support outbreak investigations

Community organizations interested in hosting on-site immunization clinics that serve 10 or more people can contact ACHD.

Call your healthcare provider immediately if you think you or your child have been exposed to measles.

Additionally, ACHD has answers to Frequently Asked Questions on the regularly updated measles page.

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The Allegheny County Health Department's mission is to protect, promote, and preserve the health and well-being of the more than 1.2 million people who call Allegheny County home.

Media inquiries may be directed to Ronnie Das,
Public Information Officer for the Health Department,
at ronnie.das@alleghenycounty.us or by phone at 412-578-7991.

 

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