What Families Need to Know About the Recent Rise in Measles Cases

As measles cases continue to increase across Pennsylvania, public health officials are reminding families that vaccination remains the best protection against this highly contagious disease.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, more than 200 confirmed cases have been reported statewide in 2026 — with 46 new cases reported in just the last week — prompting the health department to increase vaccination efforts and public health outreach.

Although measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, international travel combined with declining vaccination rates in some communities has allowed outbreaks to occur when the virus is introduced.

“Measles is one of the most contagious viruses we know,” said Trina Johnson, DO, MBA, System Chief Medical Officer at Penn Highlands Healthcare. “Fortunately, it’s also one of the most preventable. Staying up to date on recommended vaccinations is the single most effective way to protect yourself, your family and your community.”

What is Measles?

Measles is a viral illness that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or breathes. The virus can remain in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person has left an area, making it extremely easy to spread.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms typically develop 7 to 14 days after exposure but may appear as late as 21 days afterward. Early symptoms often include a high fever, cough, runny nose and red and watery eyes.

A few days later, tiny white spots known as Koplik spots may appear inside the mouth, followed by the characteristic blotchy, red-to-brownish rash. The rash usually begins on the face near the hairline before spreading downward across the body.

People with measles are generally contagious from four days before the rash appears until four days afterward.

Who is at Greatest Risk?

While anyone who is not immune can become infected, the greatest risk of severe illness includes infants who are too young to be vaccinated, unvaccinated children and adults, pregnant women and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Complications can include ear infections, pneumonia, dehydration, encephalitis (brain inflammation) and, in rare cases, death. Young children are particularly vulnerable to serious complications.

Treatment

There is no specific antiviral treatment for measles and care largely focuses on relieving symptoms, preventing dehydration and treating complications if they develop. Some patients — especially young children — may receive vitamin A under medical supervision, as it has been shown to reduce the severity of illness in certain cases.

Anyone who believes they have measles should call their healthcare provider before arriving at a doctor’s office or emergency department. This allows healthcare teams to take appropriate precautions to prevent exposing other patients and staff.

“If you develop a fever and rash, especially after travel or exposure to someone with measles, contact your healthcare provider before coming into the office,” said Dr. Johnson. “A quick phone call helps us protect other patients while ensuring you receive the care you need.”

Prevention is the Best Protection

The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective. Two doses provide approximately 97% lifetime protection against measles, while one dose is about 93% effective.

Health experts recommend that children receive the vaccine according to the routine immunization schedule.

Adults born before 1957 are generally presumed immune due to natural exposure prior to the vaccine’s introduction. Adults in their 40s may have only received one shot as a child before national guidelines updated to two doses in 1989. Getting that second dose boosts immunity to peak levels and can be especially important for healthcare workers, travelers or anyone residing in an active outbreak zone.

Although recent outbreaks have raised concern, health officials emphasize that communities with high vaccination rates remain well protected. Staying informed, recognizing symptoms early and maintaining recommended immunizations are important steps in preventing further spread of this highly contagious disease.

If you have questions about your vaccination status, need to schedule an MMR vaccine or are concerned about possible measles symptoms, Penn Highlands Healthcare provides routine immunizations, preventive care and guidance to help patients and families stay healthy. Learn more at www.phhealthcare.org/immunizations.