Third measles death recorded in US in 2026

In the United States, 2026 has seen a concerning surge in measles cases, with over 3,300 confirmed infections reported so far, surpassing the 2,289 cases recorded in 2025, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This alarming increase is attributed to declining vaccination rates and growing vaccine scepticism, particularly in certain population groups.

Tragically, the death toll from measles this year now stands at three, marking a stark return to a level unseen since 1991, when 9,643 cases were recorded. The latest victim is a 40-year-old woman from Pennsylvania's Jefferson County who succumbed to measles complications on Saturday. The county's coroner's office confirmed the woman was unvaccinated, emphasizing the disease's severity despite its prevention through vaccination.

Jefferson County Deputy Coroner Jason Stiver stressed that measles should not be underestimated. In August, two measles-related deaths were recorded in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, marking the first such fatalities in the state since 2025 and the first in Pennsylvania in 35 years. Lancaster County is home to a sizable Amish population, known for their traditional lifestyle and lower vaccination rates compared to the broader American population. Both deceased individuals were unvaccinated.

Measles, declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, has resurged in recent years due to growing mistrust of health authorities and vaccine hesitancy. This resurgence underscores the critical importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to protect public health and prevent outbreaks.