Two babies died. An 18-year-old with measles died from a rare complication that caused inflammation in the brain. At least six infants have been born infected with measles. There’s no way to predict which kids will get hit hardest. As of October 16, 2026, the Pennsylvania Department of Health has reported 1,260 confirmed measles cases across 43 counties, making it the center of the largest U.S. outbreak since 1991. Six measles-associated deaths have been reported in the state and at least 238 people have been hospitalized. Over 95% of the cases involve unvaccinated individuals when two (2) doses of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine provide about 97% lifetime protection.
While Pennsylvania leads the way the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 4,410 confirmed measles cases in the United States so far in 2026. The United States maintained measles elimination status for 26 years until recent outbreaks in 2025 and 2026 put that status at risk.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), citing expanding measles outbreaks across the country and a scarcity of clinical resources for clinicians, has developed a guidance tool to assist physicians caring for infants exposed to or infected with the virus. In Camden County you can receive the MMR vaccine through public health centers, the county mobile clinic, or local pharmacies. Free or Low-Cost Programs are available for eligible uninsured or underinsured children and adults through the County Health Centers. While New Jersey itself is not experiencing an outbreak, the primary threat to NJ counties bordering Pennsylvania is cross-border transmission from Pennsylvania’s large, ongoing outbreaks and the New Jersey Health Departments in border areas remain on high alert.
