Pennsylvania records first 2 measles deaths in 35 years

Two unvaccinated individuals have passed away from measles in Pennsylvania, according to health authorities. This year, the state has recorded 393 cases of the highly contagious virus, with overall US infections reaching their highest point in 35 years. Last year, an outbreak in Texas claimed the lives of two unvaccinated children, with the disease infecting over 1,000 people nationwide, mostly children.

In Lancaster County, where the recent deaths occurred, only 85% of kindergarten-aged students are vaccinated against measles, falling short of the critical 95% threshold needed to maintain herd immunity and safeguard vulnerable individuals. Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Debra Bogen expressed her deepest condolences to the families enduring this heartbreaking loss.

She emphasized that measles was largely eradicated in the state for over three decades, and people are unfamiliar with the disease's potential severity. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the most effective way to prevent illness and death. However, the health department did not disclose any further details regarding the deceased.

In 2026, the US has already reported 2,777 confirmed measles cases just seven months into the year, compared to last year's peak of 2,289. The surge in cases coincides with increasing vaccine hesitancy in the US, resulting in lower immunization rates. The US recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine for children between the ages of one and six, which is 97% effective in preventing the illness.

Recently, President Donald Trump signed an executive order advocating for fewer childhood vaccinations and proposing to split the MMR vaccine into three separate doses. Public health experts are concerned that the order could create confusion about the safe and effective vaccine, potentially causing significant financial burdens.

The executive order followed steps taken by Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr over the past year to reform US vaccine policies, including modifying the childhood vaccination schedule. Many of these changes were blocked by a federal judge earlier this year. Kennedy, a vaccine skeptic, has provided inconsistent messaging on the MMR vaccine at times endorsing it and other times promoting unproven claims about its safety.

The US is on track to lose its measles elimination status, which will be determined by a panel in November. Canada lost its measles elimination status last year.