Health

Two unvaccinated people die from measles in Pennsylvania

The fatalities mark Pennsylvania's first measles deaths in 35 years and the first reported in the U.S. in 2026 amidst rising national cases.

Updated Aug 25, 2026 · 15:26 UTC2 reports

The short version

Two unvaccinated residents of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, have died from measles.
These deaths represent the first measles fatalities in Pennsylvania in 35 years and the first reported in the United States this year.
Pennsylvania health officials have confirmed 393 cases and 70 hospitalizations in the ongoing state outbreak.
Nationwide, CDC figures show 2,777 measles cases so far this year, marking the highest annual total reported since 1991.

Two unvaccinated individuals in Lancaster County died from measles, marking Pennsylvania's first measles fatalities in 35 years and the first reported nationwide in 2026.[NBC News · ABC News]
Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen confirmed 393 measles cases and 70 hospitalizations in the state's current outbreak.[NBC News]
The CDC has recorded 2,777 measles cases and 193 hospitalizations across the U.S. this year, the highest annual case count since 1991.[NBC News · ABC News]
MMR vaccination rates in Lancaster County fell from 95.5% in 2017 to 87.6% in 2025.[NBC News]
Nationally, kindergartners with at least one vaccine exemption rose to 4.2% during the 2025-26 school year, up from 3.6% the prior year.[NBC News]