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LEWISTOWN -- Mifflin County's measles count has risen to 118, up 12 cases since Sept. 28, as Pennsylvania's statewide total surpassed 1,000.
Only Lancaster County, with 391 cases, has reported more infections, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health's measles dashboard, updated Monday. Chester County ranks third with 84 cases. Mifflin County had 106 confirmed cases Sept. 28. Its latest total is more than four times the 29 cases the state reported Aug. 25.
Pennsylvania has recorded 1,004 cases in 39 counties this year, an increase of 101 cases since Sept. 28. Hospitalizations rose from 176 to 198 during the same period, while the number of measles-associated deaths increased from four to five. The state added 27 cases since Friday, when the Department of Health reported 977 cases and 195 hospitalizations. The death toll didn't change during that period.
The dashboard lists 106 new cases during the latest seven-day period, down from 114 a week earlier. Patients younger than 18 account for 32% of the statewide total, up from 31%. Fewer than 1% of confirmed patients were fully vaccinated.
The Department of Health announced the fifth death Sept. 30. The person was an unvaccinated Lancaster County resident. The state hasn't released additional information, citing privacy laws. The other deaths involved an unvaccinated 18-year-old Mifflin County resident, an unvaccinated Jefferson County resident, and two Lancaster County infants who were too young to receive the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine.
State health officials now report community transmission in 12 counties after adding Clarion County to the list. The other counties are Centre, Chester, Clearfield, Indiana, Jefferson, Lancaster, Mifflin, Snyder, Somerset, Union, and York.
The department defines community transmission as continued spread across multiple generations outside the original household that can't be explained by a separate introduction of measles. Officials said affected counties may need additional measures, including catch-up vaccinations or early MMR doses.
Elsewhere in the region, Centre County increased by two to 21 cases, and Huntingdon County increased by two to six. Perry County remains at four cases, while Juniata County hasn't recorded a confirmed case. The dashboard lists Snyder County with 41 cases, one fewer than the 42 reported Sept. 28. The dashboard doesn't explain the change.
The Department of Health reports that its employees have administered 8,843 MMR vaccine doses in 2026, an increase of 537 since Sept. 28. That figure includes vaccinations given by department employees, not every MMR dose administered across Pennsylvania.
State officials said Friday that department employees had administered over 5,600 doses at 189 pop-up clinics in affected communities since the outbreak began in late April. Health care providers across Pennsylvania administered more than 53,000 MMR doses in September, more than double the roughly 25,000 doses given during a typical month.
Two doses of the MMR vaccine provide about 97% protection against measles, according to health officials. One dose provides about 93% protection. People who have completed the two-dose series don't routinely need a booster.
Measles spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for as long as two hours after the person leaves. A person can spread measles before developing a rash.
Symptoms can appear seven to 21 days after exposure and include fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A rash usually follows, beginning on the head or face before spreading downward.
Anyone who develops symptoms should call a health care provider or 877-PA-HEALTH (877-724-3258) before visiting a medical facility so employees can take precautions.