Pennsylvania reports first 2 measles deaths in the U.S. this year, both people unvaccinated

Two unvaccinated residents of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, have died from measles, marking the first measles-related deaths in the US this year. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the individuals who died were not identified to protect their privacy and that of their families.

The deaths occurred as the US experiences its worst year for measles since 1991, with 2,777 confirmed cases reported so far in 2026, surpassing the 2,289 cases reported in 2025. Pennsylvania has seen 393 cases of measles this year.

The state's Health Secretary, Dr. Debra Bogen, expressed sympathy for the loved ones affected and emphasized the importance of vaccination, stating that the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine provides the best protection against illness and death. According to The BBC World, 85% of kindergarten-age students in Lancaster County are vaccinated against measles, which is below the 95% rate needed for herd immunity.

Brief written by urgent.news from STAT News, Associated Press, BBC World, The Hill, The Guardian US — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.