Pennsylvania reports first 2 measles deaths in the US this year, both people unvaccinated

Two unvaccinated individuals from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, have become the first measles-related fatalities in the United States this year, according to state health officials. Both victims had not received the measles vaccination. Dr. Debra Bogen, the state Health Secretary, expressed her deepest sympathies for the families who have suffered an unimaginable loss.

She emphasized that measles had been largely eradicated in the Commonwealth for over three decades, and many people are unaware of the disease's potential severity. The United States is currently experiencing its worst measles outbreak since 1991, with a total of 2,777 cases reported as of Thursday, surpassing the previous record of 2,289 cases set in 2025.

Last year saw three measles-related deaths. In November, international health officials will convene to determine if the U.S. and Mexico have lost their measles-free status. Measles was eliminated in the U.S. in 2000 due to high vaccination rates, but in recent years, vaccination rates have fallen below the 95% threshold necessary to prevent outbreaks.

The Amish community in Lancaster County, known as the heart of Pennsylvania’s Amish population, has lower vaccination rates due to religious objections. Around 88% of kindergartners in the county were fully up-to-date with their measles vaccinations during the last school year, according to state data.