Montgomery County, Pennsylvania health officials are tracking a localized outbreak of measles linked to recent exposures at a car dealership and a convenience store, as the state confirms a total of eleven cases in 2026. The cases, concentrated in Lancaster and Montgomery counties, underscore growing concerns about declining vaccination rates and the potential for wider transmission.
The current outbreak stems from an individual who traveled from a larger outbreak centered at a university in Florida, visiting a healthcare facility in Collegeville, Pennsylvania on . Two household members of that initial patient subsequently contracted the virus, but were already under quarantine when symptoms developed, according to reports.
Health authorities are urging individuals who visited the Nissan 422 dealership in Limerick (, between 8:45 AM and 5:00 PM, and , between 8:45 AM and 7:15 PM) and the Wawa convenience store on North Lewis Road in Limerick (, between 8:30 AM and 11:00 AM, and between 11:45 AM and 2:15 PM) to be vigilant for symptoms and to contact their healthcare providers.
Measles is a highly contagious airborne virus that can remain infectious for up to two hours after an infected person has left a room. The Pennsylvania Department of Health is actively working to identify potentially exposed individuals and verify their vaccination status. Individuals lacking proof of immunity are being offered testing.
The cases in Montgomery County share a common characteristic: none of the affected individuals had received the recommended two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. This underscores the critical role of vaccination in preventing the spread of the disease.
The resurgence of measles cases in the United States, with , according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is raising alarm among public health officials. The CDC reports that the vast majority of these cases – 89% – are linked to ongoing outbreaks, many originating in late 2025. In 2025, a total of 2,281 confirmed cases were reported across 45 jurisdictions.
The current situation is particularly concerning given the potential for the U.S. To lose its measles-free designation. Dr. Joseph Aracri, chair of the Allegheny Health Network Pediatric Orthopaedic Institute, expressed concern over the increasing number of people declining vaccination, stating, “We can save lives by just getting vaccinated… There’s so much misinformation out there about the vaccine that people are not getting vaccinated, and now we’re seeing an emergence of the disease.”
Measles symptoms typically appear between seven and 14 days after exposure, but can take as long as 21 days to manifest. Common symptoms include a high fever (potentially exceeding 104°F), cough, runny nose, red, watery eyes, and a characteristic rash. While generally mild in vaccinated individuals, measles can lead to serious complications, particularly in young children and those with compromised immune systems.
The CDC warns that one in five individuals infected with measles may require hospitalization, and complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis can occur. Dr. Aracri emphasized that there is “no indication whatsoever that this vaccine is associated with autism,” citing extensive research conducted across numerous countries.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health urges residents to contact them at 877-724-3258 or their local health department to report suspected cases or to inquire about testing. The department also stresses the importance of two doses of the MMR or MMRV vaccine for optimal protection, which provides lifelong immunity for most individuals.
For those unable to receive the vaccine or lacking documented immunity, a quarantine period of up to 21 days may be necessary. Individuals should self-monitor for symptoms – including fever, unexplained rash, cough, nasal congestion, and red, watery eyes – and seek medical attention if they develop.
Beyond Pennsylvania, the CDC is tracking measles activity globally, noting an increase in cases that raises the risk of imported infections. This highlights the interconnectedness of global health security and the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates worldwide to prevent the resurgence of preventable diseases.
