Recent rise in measles cases across the US, particularly in Pennsylvania and Ohio, highlights ongoing vaccination challenges as officials Race to contain outbreaks ahead of new school year.
Measles infections continue to climb in the United States, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention adding 101 confirmed cases this week and pushing the national total to 2,566 for 2026 as of August 13. Pennsylvania accounted for 61 of those new infections and Ohio for 24, meaning the two neighbouring states made up most of the weekly increase, according to the CDC tracker and an analysis by the Centre for Infectious Disease Research and Policy.
The latest rise comes as schools in both states prepare to reopen, intensifying concern among parents and public health officials. Pennsylvania has now recorded 296 cases this year, and the state Department of Health says at least 145 are in Lancaster County alone. Lancaster, which has no independent health department, has become the epicentre of the outbreak, with neighbouring York, Chester and Lebanon counties also reporting cases. More than 30 people in the state have been hospitalised, and officials say none of the patients diagnosed this year were fully vaccinated.
In response, the Shapiro administration said it has worked with local health care and community partners to slow the spread in the Lancaster-Lebanon area. The Pennsylvania Department of Health said it has administered more than 1,300 measles vaccinations this year, including over 430 doses at pop-up clinics in the affected region, and has trained more than 1,000 health care providers across the state to better recognise and manage the disease.
Ohio’s outbreak is also expanding. State infectious disease data show 69 cases this year, up by 24 in a single week, with Geauga County rising from two cases at the end of July to 16 this week and Harrison County reporting its first case. Health officials have linked some cases in Ashtabula and Tuscarawas counties to large gatherings, including a horse sale auction in North Bloomfield, the Sugarcreek stockyard and an auction in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, held in early to mid-July. Ohio Department of Health director Bruce Vanderhoff said cases involve people who were unvaccinated or under-vaccinated and warned that more infections are likely.
Nationally, the outbreak is being driven overwhelmingly by people without protection. The CDC says 93% of patients this year were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status, while 67% were children and teenagers and 19% were children aged five and under. Hospitalisation has fallen to 7%, down from 11% in 2025, but the disease remains dangerous, especially for infants, pregnant people and those with weakened immune systems. Public health experts say two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine are about 97% effective, and communities typically need about 95% coverage to stop spread.
For families facing the start of term, health officials are urging checks now rather than at the school gate. Children are usually due their first MMR dose between 12 and 15 months and a second at four to six years, though providers may recommend an earlier second dose during outbreaks. Anyone with fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a rash should call ahead before seeking care so clinics or emergency departments can prevent exposing others. Most insurance plans cover MMR without cost sharing, and the Vaccines for Children programme covers eligible uninsured and underinsured children at participating providers.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
