10/26/2026
A rare and potentially deadly form of measles is emerging among newborn babies in Pennsylvania, where 66 pregnant women have contracted the virus and at least six infants have reportedly been born infected.
Pennsylvania health officials have issued an urgent warning about congenital measles, a serious infection that can occur when a mother contracts measles during pregnancy and passes the virus to her baby before or around birth.
Once extremely rare in the United States, congenital measles is becoming a growing concern amid the state's major measles outbreak.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, 66 pregnant women have been diagnosed with measles during the 2026 outbreak. Physicians have also reported at least six newborns with congenital measles, including two who developed pneumonia severe enough to require intensive care.
The consequences can be devastating.
Measles infection during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, premature delivery, and low birth weight. In newborns, the infection can cause severe respiratory complications, neurological problems, and potentially death.
One of the greatest challenges is prevention during pregnancy.
The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine contains a weakened live virus and is not recommended for pregnant women. This makes vaccination before pregnancy especially important.
However, exposed pregnant women who lack immunity are not entirely without protection. Doctors can administer immunoglobulin within six days of exposure to help prevent infection or reduce its severity.
Health authorities emphasize that two doses of the MMR vaccine provide approximately 97% protection against measles.
The outbreak is a reminder that measles is far more than a childhood illness. Its consequences can extend to unborn babies and newborns who are too young to receive routine vaccination.
Sources: Soucheray, S. (2026). Pennsylvania raises alarm on congenital measles. CIDRAP; Pennsylvania Department of Health (October 19, 2026).
