Cases of measles, a highly contagious disease that can have serious, even deadly effects, are on the rise in Pennsylvania and nationwide. The Chester County Health Department is seeking help from United Methodist churches.
The call for help aligns with our United Methodist Social Principles which declare that health care is a basic human right and encourage churches to work cooperatively with governments and other organizations to ensure equitable access to medical services and treatment (Social Principles: Political Community). The current increase in measles cases is an opportunity for United Methodists to put their faith into action.
Background
In 2000, measles was declared eliminated from the United States, after the development and widespread use of vaccines beginning in the mid-1960s.
In recent years, however, vaccine coverage among American kindergarteners has decreased and measles cases across the world have increased, leading to a greater number of measles outbreaks in the United States. (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
In 2025, there were more confirmed cases of measles in the United States than in any other year this century, jumping to a total of 2289 confirmed cases from 2024’s total of 284. As of the end of July, 2026, we have already surpassed last year’s record with 2318 cases.
Concerns in Pennsylvania
Of all the states, Pennsylvania has the sixth highest number of measles cases in 2026, with a total of 139 as of July 24. The highest concentration of these cases is in Lancaster County, followed by Lebanon County.
Chester county, which has the third highest number of cases in 2026, is working hard to curb the spread of the virus. While recognizing that getting vaccinations is a personal decision, the Chester County Health Department is encouraging residents to re-evaluate their risk of exposure as they make that decision. Notably, zero percent of those who have contracted measles in Pennsylvania this year were fully vaccinated.
The Chester County Health Department is calling on United Methodist and other churches to help raise awareness about measles and support outreach efforts, especially in Amish and Plain communities, where vaccination rates tend to be lower. The department hopes churches can use their existing relationships with these communities to share accurate information and connect residents with available resources.
Although the request is coming from the Chester County Health Department, Denise Shelton, Eastern Pennsylvania’s Conference Disaster Response Coordinator sees this as an opportunity for United Methodist congregations in other counties to support outreach and awareness efforts too.
At least two Eastern Pennsylvania churches—Cedarville United Methodist Church (Pottstown) and Christiana United Methodist Church—have already begun to engage this important work. Shelton hopes more churches will follow.
What you can do
To support awareness and outreach efforts, your church can download, print, distribute, and display the flyers below. The flyers share important information about measles symptoms, prevention and details about an upcoming vaccination clinic.
As needs continue to be evaluated, the Chester County Health Department may also seek locations to host vaccination clinics. Providing space for these clinics is part of the way United Methodists can care for community health as reflected in the Book of Resolutions, which encourages churches, “wherever possible and practicable,” to host authorized vaccination clinics. (Book of Resolutions, 4208).
Follow the Chester County Health Department on Facebook for up-to-date information and resources .
If you have any questions about awareness and outreach efforts, please contact the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference Disaster Response Coordinator, Denise Shelton at dshelton@epagnj.org.
If your church is already serving communities where measles is a concern, Shelton would love to hear from you too.
Resources
Measles Need to Know Flyer – Download
Measles is Preventable Flyer – Download
Measles Vaccination Clinic – Download