US records first measles deaths of 2026 as outbreak worsens
Pennsylvania reports first 2 measles deaths in the US this year, both people unvaccinated
In a grim milestone for 2026, the United States has recorded its first measles-related deaths of the year, as an outbreak continues to intensify. The fatalities, both unvaccinated individuals from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, were disclosed on Tuesday by state health officials, without disclosing personal details. Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen expressed condolences to the families, emphasizing that measles, largely eradicated in the state for three decades, can be fatal and is often misunderstood due to lack of familiarity.
The US has now witnessed five measles-related deaths in the past two years, a stark contrast to the combined total from the previous three decades. As of Thursday, the country has seen 2,777 measles cases, surpassing the 2025 total. International health officials will convene in November to assess whether the US and Mexico have lost their measles-free status, which was achieved in 2000 through high vaccination rates. However, vaccination numbers have dwindled, falling below the 95% threshold required to prevent outbreaks.
The measles surge coincides with the Trump administration's efforts to reduce childhood vaccinations, based on concerns about vaccine safety that have been debunked by scientific studies. In November, President Trump signed an executive order to revise vaccine recommendations, suggesting that the MMR vaccine be administered as three separate shots.
Governor Josh Shapiro criticized the administration's stance, stating that their actions and rhetoric are negatively impacting communities in America, particularly in Pennsylvania.
Federal health officials have not yet commented on the Pennsylvania deaths or Governor Shapiro's remarks regarding their influence. Nationwide, vaccination rates are declining, contributing to the rise in measles cases. Lancaster County, home to a significant Amish population, has seen about 88% of kindergartners up-to-date on their measles vaccinations.
Pennsylvania has reported nearly 400 measles cases this year, with state officials administering around 35,000 vaccines, a significant increase from the usual pace of 25,000 per month.
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