First two measles cases reported in Butler County
Pennsylvania’s ongoing measles outbreak, which started earlier this year, has officially worked its way into Butler County.
According to information released Wednesday, two positive cases from Butler County have been added to the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s measles dashboard. They mark the first Butler County residents reported to have tested positive for measles in 2026.
The Department of Health declined to provide more specific information on the two individuals, citing patient confidentiality. However, a spokesperson for the agency did state the two individuals were not vaccinated.
“Both cases were confirmed by DOH earlier this week and were added to the DOH measles dashboard on Wednesday, Nov. 4,” said Department of Health deputy press secretary Stephanie Nojiri. “Both individuals were not vaccinated. To protect the privacy of individuals, DOH does not release further case specific information.”
In August, an individual who visited the Butler Health System FasterCare clinic also tested positive for measles. However, that individual was not a Butler County resident.
In addition, the Department of Health has reported the sixth measles-related death in the state this year: an unvaccinated resident of Jefferson County.
In total, Pennsylvania has seen 1,467 positive cases of measles since the start of 2026, with 383 hospitalizations. Of the six deaths that have occurred this year, two were individuals from Jefferson County, three were from Lancaster County and one is from Mifflin County.
There are signs the outbreak may finally be subsiding. In October, for the first time since the outbreak began, measles cases in Pennsylvania declined month-to-month, from 474 to 271.
Additionally, more Pennsylvanians have gotten the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine each month. Vaccinations have gone from 24,120 doses administered in May to 61,434 doses in October.
“Because measles is highly contagious, public health officials and healthcare organizations continue to monitor cases closely,” said Dr. Michael Fiorina, chief medical officer at Butler Memorial Hospital. “Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent measles, reduce the risk of serious complications and help limit its spread within communities.”
In the first few days after infection, measles symptoms are similar to the cold or flu, including runny nose, watery eyes and fever, according to a measles fact sheet from the DOH. However, a telltale sign of measles is a highly visible red, spotty rash that develops later.
While there is no real treatment for measles other than supportive care, the MMR vaccine is considered the most effective safeguard against the illness, with two doses granting a 97% chance of lifetime protection according to statistics from the DOH.
