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Pennsylvania reports fourth measles-related death in ongoing US outbreak

A fourth death from measles-associated illness has occurred in Pennsylvania, according to The Guardian.

The short version

  • Pennsylvania health officials reported a fourth measles-related death in the state, involving an 18-year-old Mifflin County resident diagnosed with encephalomyelitis.[The Guardian]
  • All four recorded US measles deaths have occurred in Pennsylvania, which has seen nearly 700 cases.[The Guardian]
  • Nationwide, measles cases have exceeded 3,300 in 2026, marking the worst surge since 1992.[The Guardian]
  • The CDC does not count the Pennsylvania fatalities in its official national death toll following a reporting policy change.[The Guardian]

Key facts

  • Pennsylvania health officials announced a fourth death from a measles-associated illness.[The Guardian]
  • All four reported US measles deaths have occurred within Pennsylvania.[The Guardian]
  • The latest victim was an 18-year-old resident of Mifflin County who was diagnosed with encephalomyelitis.[The Guardian]
  • Pennsylvania has recorded nearly 700 cases of measles, while nationwide cases have surpassed 3,300 in 2026.[The Guardian]

What remains uncertain

  • The CDC's official national tally omits these deaths due to administrative alterations in how measles fatalities are tracked.[The Guardian]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.