Two measles deaths reported in Pennsylvania
Two people have died due to measles in Pennsylvania, the state Department of Health said Tuesday. Both individuals were unvaccinated, reports BritPanorama.
These are the first US deaths from measles reported in 2026 and the first in Pennsylvania in 35 years.
“My deepest sympathies are with the loved ones who are facing this unimaginable loss,” Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen said in a statement.
“As a physician, I want to make sure that people understand that the MMR vaccine is safe and provides the best protection we have against measles.”
Both people who died were residents of Lancaster County. Pennsylvania health officials said they will not release any additional details about them.
Pennsylvania has confirmed 393 measles cases in 28 counties so far in 2026.
The highly contagious virus has continued its historic resurgence in the US this year, with a second record-breaking year in a row. The country has recorded more than 2,700 cases so far this year, more than any other year since 1991 – surpassing a grim milestone that was just topped last year.
The disease was declared eliminated in the US in 2000, but more cases have been recorded in the past year and a half than there have been in the previous 25 years combined.
Two doses of the combined measles-mumps-rubella vaccine are 97% effective against measles.
This story is ongoing and will be updated as new information emerges.
