Pennsylvania Sees Surge in Measles Cases as Vaccination Rates Drop

Health experts urge families to get vaccinated to prevent serious illness and complications

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A recent outbreak of measles in Pennsylvania has health officials concerned, as the state has reported its first five cases of the highly contagious disease in 2026. The cases, all in unvaccinated children and young adults in Lancaster County, come as the United States is on the verge of losing its measles-free designation. Experts warn that without proper vaccination, measles can lead to serious complications like pneumonia, brain infections, and even death.

Why it matters

The rise in measles cases across the country, including in Pennsylvania, highlights the importance of vaccination and the dangers of vaccine hesitancy. Measles is a preventable disease, but outbreaks can occur when vaccination rates drop, putting vulnerable populations at risk.

The details

The Pennsylvania Department of Health has confirmed the first five cases of measles in the state this year, all in unvaccinated individuals in Lancaster County. Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported 733 measles cases in more than a dozen states as of February 5th. Health experts warn that the United States is on the verge of losing its measles-free designation, which it has held since 2000.

  • The Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed the first five cases of measles in the state in 2026.
  • As of February 5th, 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported 733 measles cases in the United States.

The players

Dr. Joseph Aracri

Chair of the Allegheny Health Network Pediatric Orthopaedic Institute, who is concerned about the surge in measles cases and the increasing number of people declining to get vaccinated.

Pennsylvania Department of Health

The state health department that confirmed the first five cases of measles in Pennsylvania in 2026.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The national public health agency that has reported 733 measles cases in more than a dozen states as of February 5th, 2026.

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What they’re saying

“We can save lives by just getting vaccinated. There's so much misinformation out there about the vaccine that people are not getting vaccinated, and now we're seeing an emergence of the disease.”

— Dr. Joseph Aracri, Chair of the Allegheny Health Network Pediatric Orthopaedic Institute (CBS News)

“I don't think it's a status thing. I think it's a public health thing. It's a shame to see people get seriously ill and possibly die from a disease that is completely preventable.”

— Dr. Joseph Aracri, Chair of the Allegheny Health Network Pediatric Orthopaedic Institute (CBS News)

“There has been no indication whatsoever that this vaccine is associated with autism and has been studied in many countries, with millions of children in the study.”

— Dr. Joseph Aracri, Chair of the Allegheny Health Network Pediatric Orthopaedic Institute (CBS News)

What’s next

The Allegheny County Health Department said it is closely monitoring the developing situation in the state and that it has multiple procedures in place should an outbreak occur.

The takeaway

This outbreak highlights the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of highly contagious diseases like measles. Health experts urge families to get vaccinated to protect themselves and their communities, as the consequences of not doing so can be severe.