PA Measles Outbreak Surpasses 835 Cases; Health Officials Maintain Exposure Alerts at PHL Airport and CHOP
PHILADELPHIA — As the ongoing measles outbreak continues across the Commonwealth, the Pennsylvania Department of Health released updated dashboard data on September 23 showing that total statewide cases have reached 835. The update reflects 111 newly confirmed cases reported over the previous seven-day period.
According to state health officials, 164 individuals have been hospitalized due to complications from the virus, and 4 deaths have been officially attributed to the disease. Minors under the age of 18 account for 32% of total cases, while more than 99% of all infected individuals were not fully vaccinated against the virus.
PA Measles Outbreak Overview (as of Sept. 23, 2026)
Produced by PhillyTalks.com | Data: PA Department of Health
In response to local transmission risks, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH) maintains public warnings for two high-traffic locations within the city. Travelers who passed through Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) Terminals B, F, or the C/D/E connectors between 7:25 PM on September 13 and 12:05 AM on September 14 may have been exposed by a connecting passenger. Additionally, individuals who visited the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) Main Building—specifically NICU West, the Atrium, and the cafeteria—between 9:30 AM and 4:15 PM on September 11 are advised to monitor for symptoms. Public health agencies confirmed the two exposure events are independent of each other.
“These recent exposure warnings underscore the vital importance of vaccination in protecting our entire community,” said Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson, Philadelphia Health Commissioner. “While individuals fully vaccinated with two doses of the MMR vaccine remain at extremely low risk, community-wide vaccination is crucial to protecting infants, pregnant individuals, and those with compromised immune systems who cannot receive the vaccine.”
Health officials advise anyone who visited the exposure sites and is unvaccinated or uncertain of their immunity status to monitor themselves for symptoms—including high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and rash—through October 5, reflecting the 21-day maximum incubation period.
Anyone experiencing symptoms is instructed to contact their healthcare provider or the Philadelphia Department of Public Health (215-685-6740) before visiting a clinic or emergency room in person to prevent further transmission.
