6th measles-related death in Pa. as cases move into 45 counties, officials say
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Pennsylvania 6th measles-related death in Pa. as cases move into 45 counties, officials say Health officials confirmed that an unvaccinated resident in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, is the state's sixth measles-related death. By Emily Rose Grassi • Published November 4, 2026 • Updated on November 4, 2026 at 5:44 pm A sixth measles-related death is confirmed in Pennsylvania as cases of the disease stretch into 45 counties, according to the Department of Health. An unvaccinated resident in Jefferson County tested positive for measles before dying. Stream Philadelphia News for free, 24/7, wherever you are with NBC10. WATCH HERE Officials say the number of confirmed cases has reached 1,467 so far in 2026. The Department of Health shared these bullet points: Newly Confirmed Cases (since November 2, 2026) : 34 Total Counties: 45 Total Cumulative Cases: 1,467 Total Hospitalizations: 283 Total Confirmed Measles-Associated Deaths: 6 Measles cases among vaccinated individuals: 5 (less than 1% of cases) Last month, NBC News reported that a sixth measles death had happened in Franklin County, however, the Department of Health told NBC10 that this did not meet their standards to be considered a measles death. " DOH is aware of a reported death of a Franklin County resident in October. However, as of November 4, DOH’s thorough investigation has not yet found any Franklin County cases meeting the required criteria to be confirmed as a measles-associated death ," a spokesperson wrote in a statement. Lancaster County Oct 30 As a historic measles outbreak hits Pennsylvania Amish country, more show openness to vaccines Pennsylvania Oct 29 Health officials warn of possible measles exposure at Pennsylvania Target Health Oct 15 CDC sending a ‘disease detective' to help stop measles outbreak in Pennsylvania Chester County Oct 8 Measles concerns grow in Chester County after high school closure Pennsylvania Oct 5 At over 1,000 cases, Pa. has largest measles outbreak in the U.S., officials say What are the symptoms of measles? Measles symptoms can include, fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes, followed by a rash that starts on the head or face and spreads downwards. Symptoms can start 7 to 21 days after exposure. The only way to prevent measles is with the MMR vaccine, according to health officials. What should you do if you were exposed? Health officials say people who are not vaccinated face the greatest risk of infection. The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best protection against the virus, providing 97% lifetime protection after two doses, according to the Department of Health. The department said the person who tested positive was instructed to isolate at home while contagious. Anyone who believes they were exposed and is experiencing symptoms should contact their health care provider or call the Department of Health's hotline at 877-PA-HEALTH (877-724-3258). Pennsylvania residents can find additional information, current guidance and the state's measles dashboard at pa.gov/measles . This article tagged under: Pennsylvania