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

Two unvaccinated individuals in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania have tragically died from measles, marking the first measles-related deaths in the United States this year, according to state health officials. The victims, whose identities have not been disclosed, resided in the county located west of Philadelphia. State Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen expressed her condolences to the families affected by this devastating loss.

She emphasized that measles, once nearly eradicated in the state for over three decades, is a highly severe illness that many people are now unacquainted with due to its rarity. The United States is currently experiencing its highest number of measles cases since 1991, with 2,777 reported cases as of Thursday, surpassing the record set in 2025.

In 2023, the nation had 2,289 cases, the worst year for measles in over three decades, resulting in three deaths. International health officials will convene in November to assess whether the U.S. and Mexico have lost their measles-free status. The country's ability to maintain measles-free status largely depended on high vaccination rates, which have recently dropped below the critical 95% threshold required to prevent outbreaks.

Pennsylvania's kindergarten vaccination rates, which dipped last year, have now reached an all-time high for exemptions. Lancaster County, home to a significant Amish population, has seen approximately 88% of kindergartners fully vaccinated against measles during the previous school year. As of now, Pennsylvania has documented nearly 400 measles cases, while nationwide, the count stands at 2,777.