Pennsylvania hospitals and clinics are stepping up measles triage, signage and phone screening as the state records 693 cases, 133 hospitalizations and four deaths in one of its worst outbreaks in years.
Lancaster County remains the epicenter with 296 cases, and doctors say the outbreak is likely undercounted because many sick family members are never tested after one patient reaches an ER or hospital.
Hospitals are now seeing measles regularly rather than rarely, with UPMC Lititz treating about 50 patients this year and Penn State Health admitting about 10 children with complications including respiratory distress and hepatitis.
Vaccination demand has jumped alongside the outbreak: Pennsylvania has administered 6,725 MMR doses in 2026, including about 3,500 in August alone, while local providers report more requests for early or even discreet vaccinations.
Counties and health systems are expanding outreach with free clinics, home vaccinations and community education, targeting areas with low immunization rates where most hospitalized children were unvaccinated.