US records first measles deaths of 2026

In an unprecedented turn of events in 2026, the United States recorded its first measles deaths in nearly 35 years. The victims, both residents of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, had not received the measles vaccine, a highly effective preventative measure against the disease. Lancaster County is known for its large Amish population, which tends to have lower vaccination rates compared to the general American population.

This resurgence of measles is part of a broader trend fueled by vaccine skepticism and distrust of health authorities.

The deaths occurred following three fatalities in 2025, marking the beginning of a new outbreak. Health experts, including President Donald Trump's former Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr, have been criticized for exacerbating the crisis through their vaccine hesitancy. Andrew Racine, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, expressed deep sorrow over the preventable deaths, urging leaders to promote measles vaccinations, particularly the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine.

In 2026, the United States has seen over 2,770 confirmed measles cases, a significant increase from 2025's 2,289 cases. This surpasses the previous annual record of 9,643 cases set in 1991. Measles enters the body through the nose or eyes, initially presenting with fever, cough, and runny nose, followed by a distinctive rash. Serious complications, such as pneumonia and brain inflammation, can arise, potentially causing lasting damage or death.

Before the introduction of the vaccine in the early 1960s, measles claimed hundreds of lives annually in the U.S. and continues to claim tens of thousands worldwide. Despite measles being declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, its resurgence is alarming, highlighting the urgent need to address vaccine skepticism and misinformation that undermine public health efforts.