U.S. Measles Deaths Reported

Pennsylvania reported two measles-associated deaths in February 2026, marking its first in 35 years and the first in the United States for a record-breaking year. Both victims were unvaccinated individuals in Lancaster County, though the ages and other details remain undisclosed due to privacy concerns. Dr. Debra Bogen, the state's secretary of health, emphasized the seriousness of measles and the effectiveness of the MMR vaccine in preventing the disease.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends routine vaccination for children as young as 1 year and early vaccination for infants traveling to outbreak areas.

In 2026, Pennsylvania had the third-highest number of measles cases in the U.S., with 393 confirmed cases, following South Carolina and Utah. This surge mirrors national trends, with 2,777 confirmed cases across 45 states, the highest total since 1991. Last year, the U.S. recorded 2,289 confirmed cases, including three deaths, the first in over a decade. The 2026 tally is primarily from domestic outbreaks, with 94% of cases linked to unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status.

The MMR vaccine is highly effective, with 93% protection after one dose and 97% after two doses. Despite this, vaccination rates among U.S. kindergarteners declined from 95.2% in 2019-2020 to 92.4% in 2025-2026, and the proportion of children with vaccine exemptions increased to 4.2% in 2025-2026. The U.S., which once eliminated measles in 2000, now risks losing its measles-free status as international health officials will assess the country's status in November.