Pennsylvania reported 943 confirmed measles cases across 39 counties and five measles-associated deaths as of September 30. The outbreak remains a concern for schools because measles spreads easily through the air.
Children accounted for nearly one-third of Pennsylvania’s reported measles cases as of September 25. Meanwhile, reports show that 92.7% of kindergarteners had received the MMR vaccine during the 2025–26 school year, below the approximately 95% level needed to help prevent outbreaks. These figures reinforce the importance of schools reviewing immunization records and preparing for possible exposures.
Governor Shapiro’s administration withdrew proposed disease-control regulations on September 25 following extensive public feedback. Existing regulations already allow health officials to enter buildings and other premises during disease investigations. The proposal would have explicitly named schools and required them to provide timely access to students for contact tracing, including during classes and school activities. It also would have required school staff to permit private conversations between health officials and students. These provisions raised concerns about parental notification and involvement.
The proposal also would have broadened the grounds for imposing disease-control measures to include prevention, containment, and mitigation, a change the department linked to the court ruling overturning its COVID-era school masking order. Withdrawing the proposal leaves existing disease-control requirements in place.
State officials have urged schools to review student and staff immunization records, prepare exposure-response plans, and promptly report suspected cases. Exposed students and staff without proof of immunity may need to remain home for 21 days after their last exposure. Schools generally are not advised to close. Educators should watch for fever, cough, red eyes, and a rash, and promptly refer concerns to the school nurse.
