# Pennsylvania hospitals battle worst measles outbreak in decades

> Nearly 700 cases have been reported this year, with hospitals seeing patients daily after decades without a single case.
- Title: Pennsylvania hospitals battle worst measles outbreak in…
- Summary: Nearly 700 cases have been reported this year, with hospitals seeing patients daily after decades without a single case. Pennsylvania's measles outbreak has…
- Keywords: measles, pennsylvania, lancaster county, upmc, penn state health, john goldman, patrick gavigan, mmr vaccine, vaccination, outbreak, chester county, harrisburg
- Source: ABC News — https://abcnews.com/Health/hospitals-clinics-pennsylvania-responding-amid-measles-outbreak/story?id=136457764
- Author: ABC News
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: measles, pennsylvania, lancaster county, upmc, penn state health, john goldman, patrick gavigan, mmr vaccine, vaccination, outbreak, chester county, harrisburg
## From rare to routine
Dr. John Goldman saw only two measles cases in 30 years. Now he sees patients with the disease literally every day at UPMC hospitals.

> We've gone from seeing this as an extremely rare disease, one that I literally have not seen in 30 years, to something that is now common.
## Pennsylvania's outbreak by the numbers
The state has recorded 731 measles cases this year with 141 hospitalizations. Four deaths have been confirmed, the most since 1992.
## Lancaster County is the epicenter
Lancaster County in southeastern Pennsylvania has reported 296 cases. UPMC Lititz alone has treated about 50 measles patients this year.
## The real count is higher
Doctors believe cases are undercounted. Patients often report five or six sick family members at home, but not everyone gets tested.

> The worst part is we're almost certainly underestimating the cases.
## Children hit hardest
About 10 children were admitted to Penn State Health Golisano Children's Hospital in 2026. Most came from families where everyone was sick.
## Symptoms beyond the rash
Fever, rash and respiratory distress are most common. Some children also show gastrointestinal symptoms, including hepatitis.
## Unvaccinated communities affected
Most hospitalized children are unvaccinated and come from communities that don't vaccinate. Hospitals get more calls about infections each week.
## Vaccination rates spike in August
Health department staff gave 6,725 MMR doses in 2026. About 3,500 were administered in August alone, correlating with a spike in cases.
## Parents seek early third doses
Some parents are asking about early third doses for their children. The CDC recommends this for infants in outbreak areas starting at 6 months.
## Vaccines come to people's homes
Chester County health workers now vaccinate people at home or at their businesses. The county has administered 538 MMR doses this way.

> We basically just said, 'We've got to do some at-home vaccinations.'
## Secret vaccinations happening
Goldman reports cases of semi-clandestine vaccination. People get the MMR shot without telling friends or neighbors who might judge them.

> Neighbors might judge them, or they're in communities which discourage vaccination.
## Aggressive screening at hospitals
UPMC facilities now screen more aggressively for measles-like symptoms including rash, fever, cough and pink eye to protect other patients.
## Warning signs outside facilities
Hospitals display signs listing symptoms and asking exposed people to call before entering. This prevents them from spreading measles in waiting areas.
## Doctors write public op-eds
Two Lancaster pediatricians wrote newspaper op-eds explaining vaccine dangers and benefits. Some patients bring printed copies to discuss at appointments.
## Meeting communities where they are
Public health workers assess each community's knowledge before talking vaccines. They start with basics like what measles is if needed.

> If we're not hitting the right avenues and meeting them where they are at the start, they're not hearing it.
## Key takeaway

Pennsylvania's measles outbreak has shifted from an extremely rare disease to a daily occurrence in hospitals, prompting aggressive screening and vaccination efforts.