WEST CHESTER, PA — Measles cases are rising around Pennsylvania, and authorities in Chester County are warning unvaccinated residents to exercise caution.
Case numbers are up to 104 in Pennsylvania thus far in 2026, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
Five of those cases are in Chester County, with four confirmed since late April.
Officials said they expect rates to continue to grow.
"We also expect more cases in the future, so here is some advice," the county health department shared. "Unvaccinated children under 5, especially infants, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals should remain aware of increasing cases and make informed choices about local travel and socialization.
Nearby communities account for the bulk of statewide cases, however, with 55 and Lancaster County and 20 in Lebanon County.
Montgomery (3), Berks (3), Dauphin (2), Northumberland (6), York (2), and Lancaster (8) have also confirmed measles cases this year.
Measles is making a comeback around the country due to declining vaccination rates, the Centers for Disease Control says.
Measles is highly infectious to those who are not vaccinated, but it is extremely rare for a vaccinated individual to contract it, according to health officials. In the highly unlikely case a vaccinated person does get measles, they usually have milder symptoms.
Symptoms of measles include cold-like symptoms, runny nose, red eyes, greyish-white spots in the mouth, fever, and more. It's transmitted most commonly through coughing and sneezing.Measles can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected individual leaves that area.
The MMR vaccine that provides full immunity is available at many healthcare provider offices and pharmacies.
If you develop symptoms, contact your health care provider immediately.
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