Measles have been reported in Pennsylvania and played a role in two infant deaths here last month, but there have been no cases in Bucks County, according to information released Sept. 10 by the state Department of Health.
The health department announced that 624 measles cases have been confirmed across 37 counties in Pennsylvania so far in 2026. Bucks and Philadelphia counties have had no cases, but Montgomery County reports three and Berks County has had four.
Also on Wednesday, the Lancaster County coroner confirmed that the state's two measles-related deaths in August both involved infants, and that the virus caused one of the deaths, according to USA Today. One child died shortly after birth of a ruptured spleen and another 6-weekold baby
girl died at home from the infection.
Thirty new positive cases have been reported in the last week and there were a reported 109 hospitalizations statewide. The baby deaths last month are the only known fatalities, according to the department of health.
What is Measles?
"Measles is a highly contagious virus that can cause serious short- and long-term health problems including pneumonia and brain swelling, with nearly 20 percent of people who are reported to have measles being hospitalized. Death from measles, though rare, occurs in one to three patients per 1,000 cases," the Pennsylvania Department of Health said.
Vaccination against the disease is highly encouraged.
It can spread when a person who is infected breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus remains infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after the person with the infection leaves the area, according to the health department news release.
Symptoms include "fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis), followed by a rash that starts on the head and spreads downward. Without proper protection or supportive care, measles can be deadly. Symptoms can start 7 to 21 days after exposure."
People who believe they were exposed to measles, and are experiencing symptoms, should contact their health care provider or call DOH’s toll-free hotline at 877-PA-HEALTH (877-724-3258).
This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: PA doc reports on measles-related deaths. Are cases in Bucks County?
