No measles cases in Butler County so far
The number of measles cases is growing statewide.
While no cases had been reported in Butler County, confirmed cases have started popping up in several surrounding municipalities and counties.
The Allegheny County Health Department said days ago two confirmed measles cases are related and tied to the same private school in Pittsburgh’s North Hills suburbs.
Both children reportedly attend Eden Christian Academy, which has campuses in Ross, Pine and Ohio townships. The private school put out a statement acknowledging it was notified by public health officials of the measles cases, but did not specify which campus was affected. At least 11 other students who are vaccinated have been asked to quarantine at home for two weeks. Only about 83% of the school’s students are fully immunized.
Pine Township borders high-traffic Butler municipalities, such as Cranberry and Adams townships, while Ross and Ohio townships are just miles away from Butler County.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, measles cases had been reported in Allegheny, Armstrong, Clarion, Venango, Mercer and Westmoreland counties, but none in Butler County, as of the most recent update from the department on Oct. 14.
The update showed Mercer County leads those counties with 24 cases, followed by 12 in Clarion County, three in Armstrong County, two each in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties, and one in Venango County.
Statewide, 1,222 cases have been reported.
Less than 1% of the people who contracted measles are fully vaccinated, 33% are under 18 years old, 219 were hospitalized and there have been five measles-related deaths, according to the department.
Most of the cases were reported in August, September and October. Those ages 25 to 49 years old have the most cases, followed by 18- to 24-year-olds, 10- to 17-year-olds, children up to 4 years olds, 5- to 9-year-olds, 50- to 64-year-olds, and those over 65.
The highly contagious disease could spread to Butler County, said Dr. Michael Fiorina, West Virginia University Health System’s chief medical officer at Butler Memorial and Clarion hospitals.
“Given the increase in measles cases reported across Pennsylvania, additional cases in Butler County remain possible. Because measles is highly contagious, public health officials and healthcare organizations across the region continue to monitor the situation closely,” Fiorina said. “Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent measles, reduce the risk of serious complications and limit its spread within communities.”
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 4,080 cases have been confirmed across the country as of Oct. 8. That number exceeds the 2,289 confirmed cases in 2025, making 2026 the worst year since 1991, according to the CDC.
The department of health and the CDC say vaccines are the best way to protect against the preventable disease. Measles can cause serious health problems, especially in children younger than 5.
The agencies also concur in recommending two doses of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) or measles mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) vaccines as the best protection. Most people who are vaccinated will be protected for life, according to the agencies.
