Pennsylvania confirms fifth measles-associated death as US outbreak grows
Cases have more than doubled since August as a dispute with federal health officials over the death count continues.
Pennsylvania is grappling with a measles outbreak that has claimed its fifth life of 2026, with the state's ongoing case count reaching 943 confirmed cases across 39 counties. The Pennsylvania Department of Health reported on Wednesday that an unvaccinated resident from Lancaster County, who tested positive for measles, had succumbed to the disease.
The individual's identity was withheld due to privacy protections. This marks the fifth measles-associated death in Pennsylvania this year, following three others in the preceding two weeks. Due to changes in how the Trump administration reports measles deaths, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has not included Pennsylvania's fatalities in its national figures.
As of Monday, September 28, 40 new positive cases had been recorded in Pennsylvania. The outbreak has spread to 39 counties, with 176 hospitalizations resulting from the measles. Health officials emphasize that daily totals may change, but monitoring these numbers provides residents and healthcare providers with a clearer picture of community transmission and aids in guiding the state's response.
Despite only four of the confirmed cases involving vaccinated individuals, which represent less than 1% of the state's total cases, the agricultural communities in Lancaster and Mifflin counties have been particularly affected.
The outbreak, which began in late April, has prompted the administration to administer over 5,500 MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccinations through 180 pop-up vaccination clinics in affected communities. Additional clinics are planned for the coming weeks and months, contingent on community interest and need. Beyond Pennsylvania, Utah, Florida, Virginia, and Texas have reported dozens of measles cases, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. Since the outbreak started, the United States has reported more than 3,600 measles cases in 2026.
Measles is considered one of the most contagious diseases, and the MMR vaccine is highly effective, preventing 97% of measles cases. Vaccination rates among kindergarten-aged children, a key indicator, have been declining as experts argue that the Trump administration is spreading confusion and misinformation about vaccines to parents.
Earlier this month, Pennsylvania sought emergency assistance from the CDC in response to the measles outbreak, but expressed concern that the request might be withdrawn if the federal agency does not publicly acknowledge the measles-associated deaths reported by the state. The dispute arose after Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. health secretary and former head of an anti-vaccine advocacy group, publicly questioned whether the measles deaths linked to the recent outbreaks were caused by the virus or another condition.
Written by urgent.news from Guardian Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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