Pennsylvania has reported two measles-associated deaths—the first in the United States in 2026 and the state’s first in 35 years—as falling vaccination coverage fuels a nationwide resurgence.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health has confirmed two measles-associated deaths among unvaccinated residents of Lancaster County.
They are the first measles-related deaths reported in the United States in 2026 and Pennsylvania’s first in 35 years. The state recorded its previous measles-associated death in 1991.
Health officials have not released the patients’ ages, medical histories or other identifying information, citing privacy considerations. The official description of the deaths as “measles-associated” should therefore be retained rather than making assumptions about their precise clinical circumstances.
The deaths occurred as Pennsylvania’s outbreak reached 393 confirmed cases across 28 counties. Nearly half of the cases have been reported in Lancaster County, making it the centre of the state’s outbreak.(1✔ ✔Trusted Source
Pennsylvania Department of Health Confirms Two Measles-Associated Deaths
Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr Debra Bogen expressed sympathy for the families and warned that many people are unfamiliar with the potential severity of measles because the disease had been largely absent from the state for more than three decades.
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Nearly One in Five Pennsylvania Patients Has Been Hospitalized
Approximately 20% of Pennsylvania’s confirmed measles cases in 2026 have required hospital treatment, state officials said.
During a public briefing, officials also reported that none of the confirmed cases investigated by the department had occurred in people who had received both recommended doses of the measles, mumps and rubella or MMR vaccine.
These observations do not mean that breakthrough infections are impossible. No vaccine provides complete protection, and measles can occasionally occur in vaccinated people. However, two MMR doses are approximately 97% effective at preventing measles, while one dose is about 93% effective.
Vaccinated people who develop measles are also more likely to experience a milder illness and are less likely to transmit the virus than unvaccinated patients.
The Pennsylvania deaths demonstrate that measles is not simply a childhood rash. Although most patients recover, the infection can cause hospitalization, permanent complications and death.(1✔ ✔Trusted Source
Pennsylvania Department of Health Confirms Two Measles-Associated Deaths
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US Measles Cases Have Reached Their Highest Level Since 1991
Pennsylvania’s outbreak is part of a broader national resurgence.
As of August 20, the CDC had recorded 2,777 confirmed US measles cases in 2026. Cases had been reported by 47 jurisdictions, and 94% were associated with one of 36 identified outbreaks.
The total had already exceeded the 2,289 cases reported during the whole of 2025 and was the highest annual figure since 1991.
Measles was declared eliminated from the United States in 2000. Elimination does not mean that imported cases cannot occur. It means the virus is no longer continuously transmitted within the country for at least 12 months.(1✔ ✔Trusted Source
Pennsylvania Department of Health Confirms Two Measles-Associated Deaths
Large, prolonged outbreaks can threaten that status when an infected traveler introduces the virus into a community containing enough unvaccinated people to sustain transmission.
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Measles Is One of the Most Contagious Human Diseases
Measles spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs or sneezes.
The virus can remain infectious in a room for as long as two hours after the infected person has left. People may therefore be exposed without being in direct physical contact with the patient.
According to the CDC, up to nine out of every 10 susceptible people close to an infected individual will become infected.
A person can spread measles from approximately four days before the rash appears until four days afterwards. Transmission before the characteristic rash develops makes early containment particularly difficult.
Anyone who suspects exposure or develops compatible symptoms should call a healthcare provider or local health department before entering a clinic, hospital or pharmacy. Advance notice allows staff to use infection-control measures and avoid exposing other patients.(2✔ ✔Trusted Source
Measles Symptoms and Complications
Symptoms May Not Appear for Three Weeks
The illness usually starts with a high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, tiredness and loss of appetite.
Small white spots known as Koplik spots may appear inside the mouth. A red or reddish-brown rash usually develops several days after the initial symptoms, beginning around the hairline or face before spreading down the body.
Because the early symptoms resemble those of several other respiratory infections, a person may initially be unaware that they have measles.(2✔ ✔Trusted Source
Measles Symptoms and Complications
Patients should not visit a healthcare facility without warning if measles is suspected. They should first telephone the facility and describe their symptoms, vaccination history, recent travel and any known exposure.
The infection can also weaken immune memory, leaving people more vulnerable to other diseases for months or years. In rare cases, a progressive and usually fatal neurological disorder called subacute sclerosing panencephalitis can develop seven to 10 years after the original infection.
The infection can also weaken immune memory, leaving people more vulnerable to other diseases for months or years. In rare cases, a progressive and usually fatal neurological disorder called subacute sclerosing panencephalitis can develop seven to 10 years after the original infection.
Patients should not visit a healthcare facility without warning if measles is suspected. They should first telephone the facility and describe their symptoms, vaccination history, recent travel and any known exposure.
Two MMR Doses Provide the Strongest Protection
Routine childhood vaccination normally includes one MMR dose at 12 to 15 months of age and a second dose between four and six years.
During an outbreak, health authorities may recommend an earlier dose for infants aged six to 11 months. This is sometimes called a “dose zero” because the child must still receive the two routinely scheduled doses after the first birthday.
Children, adolescents and adults who have not completed their recommended MMR series may be advised to receive catch-up vaccination. Two required doses are generally administered at least 28 days apart.
Adults born before 1957 are usually presumed to have immunity because measles circulated widely during their childhood. However, some people in high-risk settings may still need individual assessment.
People who are uncertain about their vaccination history should check medical, school or immunisation records and consult a healthcare professional.
Rapid Action and Expanded Vaccine Access Can Reduce Risk
Eligible people may receive MMR vaccination within 72 hours of measles exposure, while certain high-risk individuals may be offered immune globulin within six days.
Pennsylvania has responded by organising 91 temporary clinics, administering more than 4,100 vaccinations and planning 40 additional clinics.
Anyone exposed should promptly contact a healthcare professional or public-health department for individual guidance.
Falling Coverage and Misinformation Increase Vulnerability
Kindergarten MMR coverage fell from 95.2% in 2019–2020 to 92.4% in 2025–2026, leaving an estimated 280,000 children at risk. Communities generally need coverage above 95% to prevent sustained transmission.
Scientific evidence has repeatedly disproved claims linking MMR vaccination to autism, while measles itself can cause hospitalisation, pneumonia, brain injury and death.
The Outbreak Shows Why Measles Cannot Be Dismissed
The Pennsylvania deaths show the danger of measles spreading through communities with insufficient immunity.
Although the disease was eliminated as an endemic infection in the United States in 2000, imported cases can still trigger outbreaks when vaccination coverage falls. Because measles is highly contagious and can spread before the characteristic rash appears, rapid identification, isolation, vaccination and accurate medical information are essential.
Anyone who develops fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes or a spreading rash after possible exposure should avoid public places and contact a healthcare provider before seeking in-person care.
Calling ahead allows medical staff to arrange appropriate infection-control measures and helps prevent exposure among infants, pregnant people, immunocompromised patients and others at increased risk of serious complications.
References:
- Pennsylvania Department of Health Confirms Two Measles-Associated Deaths- (https://www.pa.gov/agencies/health/newsroom/pennsylvania-department-of-health-confirms-two-measles-associate)
- Measles Symptoms and Complications- (https://www.cdc.gov/measles/signs-symptoms/index.html)
Source-Medindia