Pennsylvania Sees Rise in Measles Cases Amid National Uptick

State reports 12 confirmed cases so far in 2026, on track to surpass last year's total of 16 infections.

Mar. 2, 2026 at 3:23pm

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Pennsylvania has reported 12 confirmed cases of measles so far in 2026, with infections occurring in Lancaster, Montgomery, and Chester counties. The state is on track to surpass last year's total of 16 measles cases as the United States sees a sharp rise in infections nationwide, with 1,136 confirmed cases in the first two months of the year - four times the number recorded at this point last year.

Why it matters

Measles is one of the most contagious viral diseases in the world, with one infected person able to infect up to 18 unvaccinated individuals. Public health experts warn that people should expect more frequent alerts and notices of measles exposures in their communities, especially at high-traffic areas like airports, train stations, and medical offices.

The details

Measles is highly contagious because it lingers in the air and on surfaces for about two hours after someone with an infection has coughed, sneezed, or breathed in that area. The earliest symptoms typically appear 10-12 days after exposure and can include high fever, cough, runny nose, and conjunctivitis. A skin rash typically occurs 3-5 days after onset of early symptoms. A person with measles is capable of transmitting the virus to others 4 days before and 4 days after the appearance of the skin rash.

  • Pennsylvania has reported 12 confirmed cases of measles so far in 2026.
  • Pennsylvania saw 16 measles infections in 2025.

The players

Minal Mulye

An associate professor at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine who holds a doctorate in immunology and microbiology.

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What they’re saying

“Measles is one of the most contagious viral diseases in the world. One person with the virus can infect as many as 18 other people if they are unvaccinated, according to the World Health Organization.”

— Minal Mulye, Associate Professor (whyy.org)

What’s next

Public health authorities will continue to monitor the situation and issue alerts about potential measles exposures in the community.

The takeaway

The rise in measles cases in Pennsylvania highlights the importance of vaccination and the need for vigilance in identifying and containing the spread of this highly contagious disease, especially in high-traffic areas.