Pennsylvania reports US' first measles-associated deaths of 2026

Two people in Pennsylvania who contracted measles have died, marking the first U.S. deaths of 2026 related to the vaccine-preventable illness. Both individuals were unvaccinated and resided in Lancaster County. This marks the state's first measles-associated deaths in 35 years.

Pennsylvania's Department of Health confirmed the measles-associated deaths on Tuesday, but has not disclosed the victims' names or ages. State officials have maintained privacy concerns despite facing criticism from federal officials and public health experts.

Governor Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, blamed Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for the measles outbreak, citing Kennedy's history of vaccine skepticism. Kennedy denied any role in the deaths and accused the governor of using the announcement as a political platform. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offered support to Pennsylvania, but the state has declined assistance.

Paul Offit, a prominent critic of Kennedy's, noted that without more information, it's difficult to determine if measles caused the spleen rupture. He emphasized the importance of the MMR vaccine, which provides 97% lifetime protection after two doses. The Pennsylvania Department of Health urged the public to report any potential measles exposure and warned that measles symptoms can resemble other respiratory viral infections.