PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Health officials in Pennsylvania are making a big push to vaccinate people against measles, amid the worst outbreak in decades. This comes as more pregnant women have been infected, sparking concerns about congenital cases, which had been, for many years, rare in the United States.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the state has seen more than 1,300 cases across 43 counties so far in 2026. That includes more than 250 hospitalizations and at least five confirmed measles-associated deaths — including two infants.
However, they clarified only four of those measles cases occurred in vaccinated individuals and all of the deaths were in unvaccinated individuals or children too young to vaccinate.
Since the outbreak began in late April, there have been more than 220 pop-up vaccine clinics in affected communities, where some 6,300 measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccinations have been distributed. State health centers have also administered nearly 4,000 shots, bringing the total of state-administered MMR vaccines to more than 10,000.
And state officials said health care providers have administered some 95,000 doses since the beginning of September, adding that 25,000 in a month is typical.
Since the outbreak began, 66 pregnant women — about 5% of the state’s outbreak — have been diagnosed with the disease, the health department said. There are now concerns about congenital measles — babies born with the illness.
State officials have issued an advisory to doctors’ offices offering guidance.
“Measles during pregnancy has been associated with an increased maternal risk of hospitalization, pneumonia, need for oxygen support or mechanical ventilation, and death,” the department said.
Health experts said measles increases the risk of miscarriage, early labor and low birth weight. And, there could be long-term effects, like severe brain and immune system issues.
“Pregnant women are at higher risk because their bodies are amped up from an inflammatory standpoint,” said Dr. Antonette Dulay, Main Line Health’s chief of maternal-fetal medicine. “The kids themselves can have pneumonia, and a newborn with pneumonia can have a devastating outcome.
“Later too, there might be neurological issues that can arise overall.”
The health department said it does not specifically track congenital measles cases, as there is no national standard for reporting or tracking, but it said 157 children under the age of 4 have contracted measles in Pennsylvania.
Prevention is crucial, and officials are continuing to get the word out about the safety and efficacy of the MMR vaccine. They said getting the full two-dose MMR vaccine provides 97% lifetime protection.
Women who have not been vaccinated are urged to get the shots before they become pregnant, as they are not able to get the shot while pregnant.
Unvaccinated adults or people with questions about vaccinating their children are advised to speak with their health care provider.
About 5% of Pa. measles cases among pregnant women, health department says
About 5% of Pa. measles cases among pregnant women, health department says
