Measles arrives in Pittsburgh. See the best way to protect yourself
A patient seen at UPMC Children’s Hospital Emergency Department in Pittsburgh in August tested positive for measles. Here’s what to know.
- A measles case was reported in Allegheny County after an infected individual visited a Pittsburgh hospital.
- Health officials recommend the MMR vaccine as the best way to prevent measles.
- Nationwide, there have been over 2,500 confirmed measles cases in 2026, primarily among the unvaccinated.
(This story has been updated to include a video.)Measles has arrived in Pittsburgh.
The disease, once eliminated in the United States, has caused outbreaks throughout the country since early 2025 as vaccination rates have declined. In Pennsylvania, several hundred people have caught the virus this year. And on Aug. 20, Allegheny County reported its first case as an outbreak rages in Ohio with several counties in the eastern part of the state seeing increased case numbers.
Here’s what to know.
How many measles cases are there in Pittsburgh?
One patient with measles visited Pittsburgh on Aug. 12 and Aug. 18 at UPMC Children’s Hospital Emergency Department. Allegheny County health officials noted in a press release that the individual was not from Allegheny County and was isolated as of Aug. 20.
How many patients were exposed to Pittsburgh measles case?
Allegheny County Health Department didn’t specify exactly how many people were exposed to the individual with measles. Officials are reaching out to anyone who may have been exposed.
Anyone who believes they were exposed and exhibits measles symptoms such as cough, runny nose, red/watery eyes, fever or rash should contact their healthcare provider and the Allegheny County Health Department at 412-578-8062. Residents throughout Pennsylvania can call the state department of health’s hotline at 877-PA-HEALTH.
What should Pittsburgh residents do to prevent measles?
The best way to protect against measles is with the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, according to both local and national health experts. One dose is about 93% effective against measles, while two doses are 97% effective against the disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
The MMR vaccine doses are typically given to children between the ages of 12 to 15 months and four to six years old. This vaccine is required to attend school in Pennsylvania.
How many measles cases have there been in 2026?
Nationwide, there had been 2,566 confirmed cases of measles in 2026 as of Aug. 13, the last day data was available, according to the CDC. 93% of cases involved patients who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown. 3% had received one dose of the MMR vaccine, and 3% had received both doses required to be fully vaccinated. 7% of all patients were hospitalized as a result of measles, with the most impacted demographic being children under five years of age. No deaths caused by measles in 2026 have been reported in the United States.
In 2025, there were 2,289 cases of measles throughout the United States and three deaths.
Pennsylvania Department of Health reported 340 measles cases this year as of Aug. 19, with 75 of those reported in the last week. Throughout the state, 62 people had been hospitalized. 33% of cases were among children below the age of 18. There have been no deaths caused by measles reported in the state this year.
Finch Walker is the Pittsburgh Connect Reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Contact Walker at FWalker@usatodayco.com. Instagram: @finchwalker_. X: @_finchwalker.