Schuylkill County remains without a reported confirmed measles case as Pennsylvania continues to deal with a growing outbreak that has now reached more than half of the Commonwealth's counties.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health reported Monday, August 31, 2026, that 497 measles cases have been confirmed across 34 Pennsylvania counties so far this year. Schuylkill County is not currently among the counties reporting a confirmed case.
The statewide total increased by 37 cases since the Department's previous update on Friday, August 28. At that time, Pennsylvania had reported 460 cases across 31 counties, meaning the outbreak expanded into three additional counties over the weekend.
Pennsylvania has also reported 87 hospitalizations and two measles-associated deaths during the outbreak. The two deaths, announced on August 25, were the state's first measles-associated deaths in 35 years. Both individuals were unvaccinated, according to the Department of Health.
Although no confirmed cases are currently being reported in Schuylkill County, state health officials continue to encourage residents across Pennsylvania to be aware of the symptoms of measles and make sure they are appropriately vaccinated.
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or breathes. According to the Department of Health, the virus can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person has left an area.
Symptoms typically include a high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes, followed by a rash. Symptoms generally appear seven to 14 days after exposure, although they can take as long as 21 days to develop.
Health officials say vaccination remains the best protection against the disease. Two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella, or MMR, vaccine provide approximately 97% protection against measles.
The MMR vaccine is available through pediatricians, primary care providers, pharmacies, federally qualified health centers, rural health centers, county and municipal health departments and Pennsylvania's state health centers.
Anyone who believes they have been exposed to measles and is experiencing symptoms should contact a health care provider before arriving at a medical facility so precautions can be taken to prevent possible exposure to others.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health also operates a toll-free health hotline at 877-PA-HEALTH (877-724-3258) for questions or concerns involving measles.
The state's measles numbers can change as additional cases are confirmed. The Department of Health maintains an online dashboard providing updated information on confirmed cases, affected counties, hospitalizations, deaths and vaccination efforts.
Pennsylvania Department of Health Measles Information and Dashboard