Pennsylvania's measles outbreak has killed six people and sickened 1,467 across 45 counties, the state Department of Health (DOH) confirmed Nov. 4.

The latest death involved an unvaccinated Jefferson County resident, WFMZ reported. The DOH declined to release details that could identify the person. In all, 283 people have been hospitalized statewide. The six deaths have occurred in Jefferson County (two), Lancaster County (three) and Mifflin County (one).

The outbreak began in late April west of Philadelphia, according to state health officials. That origin puts the Philadelphia suburbs, including Lower Merion Township, close to where the virus first took hold.

Montgomery County has reported three confirmed cases so far in 2026. Dr. Richard Lorraine, medical director for the Montgomery County Office of Public Health, said in an Oct. 16 presentation that "the counties around Montgomery have a number of cases as well."

"Pennsylvania has turned out to be sort of an epicenter because of a large unvaccinated population," Lorraine said, according to The Reporter.

Chester County, which borders Lower Merion to the west, had 93 confirmed cases as of early November, according to LancasterOnline. Lancaster County leads the state with 496 cases.

New York records first measles death in decades

The Pennsylvania toll came as New York recorded its first measles death in 30 years. Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Nov. 1 that a child in Lewis County died from measles, Mainline Media News reported.

Hochul said on X that the death was "a devastating reminder of what's at stake when Washington deliberately erodes decades of progress in protecting Americans from preventable diseases."

New York has recorded more than 100 measles cases in 2026. Hochul had earlier declared a measles disaster and signed an executive order allowing paramedics and midwives to administer measles vaccines, according to Mainline Media News.

Nationally, the U.S. has seen nearly 3,900 measles cases in 2026, the worst outbreak since 1991, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Eight measles-associated deaths have been reported nationwide in the past two years, more than the combined total over the previous three decades.

What Lower Merion residents should know

Lower Merion Township's Health Advisory Council met Nov. 2 at the Township Administration Building in Ardmore. Vaccine information and advisories were on the agenda.

The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine provides 97% protection after two doses, according to the DOH. Less than 1% of Pennsylvania's cases have involved vaccinated people.

State health staff have administered more than 6,800 MMR vaccinations at pop-up clinics since the outbreak began. Statewide, providers gave more than 56,000 MMR doses in September alone, more than double the typical monthly rate of about 25,000.

The DOH says anyone who has received two documented MMR doses does not need another. Adults with one dose or no records should talk to a health care provider or pharmacist. People born before 1957 are considered immune.

Montgomery County residents can get a free MMR vaccine if they live, work or go to school in the county. Residents with questions can call 610-278-5117 or email [email protected].

Anyone who believes they were exposed to measles and has symptoms should contact a health care provider or call the DOH hotline at 877-724-3258.