Bucks County confirms adult measles case amid statewide outbreak

Health officials in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, confirmed on Monday an adult case of measles. The individual had recently traveled to central Pennsylvania, where a regional outbreak is ongoing, and their vaccination status is unknown. The county health department has alerted healthcare providers the patient visited and will assist in notifying potentially exposed patients.

"Given the ongoing measles outbreak in parts of Pennsylvania, it is reasonable to expect additional cases may be reported here in Bucks County," officials said.

The case adds to more than 1,500 measles cases reported across Pennsylvania, including six deaths. State officials emphasized vaccination as the most effective protection, noting that Bucks County generally maintains high vaccination rates, which helps limit spread and severity.

Nationwide, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 5,182 confirmed measles cases in 45 states and Washington, D.C., with eight deaths confirmed in 2026—six in Pennsylvania, one in New York and one in Wisconsin. Most cases (about 96%) involve individuals who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown.

The CDC recommends two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, administered at 12-15 months and again at 4-6 years, achieving 97% effectiveness. However, vaccination coverage among kindergarteners fell to 92.4% in the 2025-26 school year, down from 95.2% before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Residents who believe they may have been exposed are urged to contact their healthcare provider before seeking care to ensure appropriate preparation.