Measles cases rise in Chester County amid outbreak

WEST CHESTER, Pa. (WPVI) -- A measles outbreak is concerning health officials across Pennsylvania as cases continue to rise.

State health officials say they have vaccinated more than 800 people at pop-up clinics since the outbreak began, but the virus continues to spread, prompting renewed calls for residents to discuss their risk with their doctors.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health has confirmed 176 measles cases statewide so far in 2026.

As of Tuesday, Chester County officials say the county's case count has risen to 29, which is higher than the state's latest update on Monday.

As Anita Wadley watched her children play at West Goshen Park, she said the outbreak was weighing on her mind.

"I mean it's scary, it's not nothing I was used to," said Wadley of Coatesville.

Wadley said she plans to check her own vaccination status before the start of the school year.

County health officials are encouraging residents to review their vaccination records to help protect themselves and their families.

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"They're definitely steadily coming in, which we anticipated as more people are self-identifying with their signs and symptoms," Chester County Public Health Director Jeanne Franklin said of the reported cases.

Health officials said measles symptoms can include a high fever, red, sore and watery eyes, and a rash that begins on the face and spreads downward.

They also warned that measles is highly contagious and that people who are not vaccinated are at risk of infection.

"It's airborne, and after two hours of the infected person leaving a space, it still persists," Franklin said.

Dr. Hazel Guinto, system chair for pediatrics at Main Line Health, said the outbreak is a major concern for pediatricians.

"We're worried about measles. As a pediatrician, it's one of the things that keep us awake at night," Guinto said.

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Guinto said children as young as 6 months old can receive a measles vaccination during an outbreak and said those vaccinations can save lives.

"The other concern with measles is it's quite dangerous. Up to 30% of people who get measles will have a complication," Guinto said.

Wadley said she is also concerned about protecting others in the community.

"I'm a school bus driver, and I would like to make sure I'm in safe keeping, and I don't want to affect their children either," she said.

Health officials noted that 93% of Pennsylvania kindergarteners were fully vaccinated against measles during the last school year.

They said the World Health Organization recommends a 95% vaccination rate to prevent outbreaks.