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Pennsylvania Measles Cases Reach 1,505 as Bucks County Reports New Infection
Pennsylvania Measles Cases Reach 1,505 as Bucks County Reports New Infection
Bucks County health officials have confirmed a new case of measles in an adult who recently traveled to central Pennsylvania, signaling that additional local infections are likely. The state’s total has climbed to 1,505 cases, with six deaths reported, as public health authorities urge vaccination and caution for those exposed.
A Bucks County adult who recently traveled to central Pennsylvania has tested positive for measles, according to CBS Philadelphia. County health officials stated that more cases in the area are expected as the state’s outbreak continues to expand.
The individual visited a region in central Pennsylvania that has recorded numerous measles cases this year. While officials have not released the person’s age or specific hometown, they confirmed the adult is no longer contagious. The person’s vaccination status remains unclear.
Bucks County health staff have notified healthcare providers whose offices the patient visited to help identify potentially exposed individuals. Dr. David Damsker, director of the Bucks County Health Department, addressed the situation in a statement published by the county.
"Given the ongoing measles outbreak in parts of Pennsylvania, it is reasonable to expect additional cases may be reported here in Bucks County," Damsker said. He noted that the county generally maintains very high measles vaccination rates, which limits spread and typically keeps infections mild.
Pennsylvania has confirmed 1,505 measles cases across 45 counties so far this year. Six people have died from measles-associated causes, none of whom were in the Philadelphia suburbs. Only five of the confirmed cases involved vaccinated patients.
Federal data indicates that Pennsylvania recorded just 16 measles cases in all of 2025 prior to this outbreak. Earlier reports highlighted Lancaster County as the epicenter, which had 391 confirmed cases when the state surpassed 1,000 total infections. At that time, ABC News reported at least 198 people had been hospitalized.
Nationally, the CDC cited by ABC reported at least 3,800 confirmed cases, marking the highest total since 1991. Kindergarten measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine coverage has slipped nationally; ABC reported that 92.4% of kindergartners received the MMR vaccine in the 2025-26 school year, down from 95.2% in 2019-20.
The CDC recommends the first dose of the MMR vaccine at 12 to 15 months and the second between ages 4 and 6. Two doses are at least 97% effective at preventing illness after exposure, according to the county health department.
Pennsylvania Department of Health staff have administered more than 8,800 vaccine doses. Approximately 3,500 doses were given in August and more than 2,500 in September. Infants aged 6 to 11 months who live in or travel to high-risk outbreak areas may receive an early third dose.
Symptoms generally appear 10 to 14 days after exposure, beginning with a cough, runny nose, red eyes, headache, and sneezing. A rash then starts on the face and hairline before spreading downward. People unsure of their vaccination status are advised to check with their doctor. Anyone who may have been exposed and plans to seek treatment should call the healthcare facility first to allow staff to prepare.
H.Davis--SFF
