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Bucks County Adult Tests Positive for Measles as Statewide Outbreak Tops 1,500 Cases
A Bucks County adult contracted measles after traveling to central Pennsylvania, where cases are surging. The statewide outbreak has now reached 1,505 cases across 45 counties and six deaths this year, up from just 16 cases in 2025.
A Bucks County adult has tested positive for measles following recent travel to a part of central Pennsylvania where the virus has been spreading widely, county health officials announced Monday.
The adult is no longer contagious, according to the Bucks County Health Department, which said the person's vaccination status was not immediately clear. Officials have notified health care providers whose offices the patient is known to have visited and are working to contact anyone who may have been exposed.
The case comes as Pennsylvania's measles outbreak has grown to 1,505 confirmed infections across 45 counties, with six deaths reported this year, according to state health data. By comparison, the state recorded only 16 measles cases in all of last year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Nearly all of this year's infections have struck unvaccinated people. Only five vaccinated individuals have contracted the virus, accounting for less than 1% of the state's cases.
Bucks County Health Department Director Dr. David Damsker said residents should expect more cases locally as the outbreak continues to spread.
"Given the ongoing measles outbreak in parts of Pennsylvania, it is reasonable to expect additional cases may be reported here in Bucks County," Damsker said. "The most effective way to protect yourself and your loved ones from measles is vaccination. Two doses of the vaccine will be at least 97 percent effective in preventing all illness after exposure to the virus."
Damsker noted that Bucks County typically maintains very high measles vaccination rates, which help limit transmission and keep most infections mild when they do occur.
Measles is highly contagious and can spread through coughing and sneezing. Symptoms generally appear 10 to 14 days after exposure, beginning with a cough, runny nose, red eyes, headache and sneezing before progressing to a rash that starts on the face and hairline and spreads downward.
The outbreak's toll â more than 1,500 cases and six deaths statewide â underscores the importance of maintaining strong immunization coverage, public health experts say. Two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine are considered the best protection against infection.
Residents who believe they may have been exposed or who are unsure of their vaccination status are urged to contact their health care provider.