Pennsylvania reports fifth measles-related death of the year amid outbreak

The measles outbreak in Pennsylvania has claimed its fifth life of 2026, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health. An unvaccinated resident in Lancaster County, who tested positive for measles, has died, though the authorities did not disclose further details to respect privacy. This marks the fifth measles-associated death reported in the state this year, following a fourth death two weeks prior.

Health officials have not included these Pennsylvania deaths in the national tally maintained by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), due to changes in reporting methods during the Trump administration.

As of September 28, Pennsylvania has recorded 40 new positive cases, bringing the total confirmed cases to 943 across 39 counties. There have been 176 hospitalizations related to the measles outbreak. Only four of these confirmed cases involved vaccinated individuals, making up less than 1% of the state's total cases. Despite this low vaccination rate among the confirmed cases, health officials emphasize that daily totals may fluctuate, providing a clearer picture of community transmission and guiding the state's response.

The outbreak has primarily affected agricultural communities in Lancaster and Mifflin counties. Other states, including Utah, Florida, Virginia, and Texas, have also reported significant numbers of measles cases, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. Since the outbreak began in late April, health centers in Pennsylvania have administered over 5,500 measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccinations through 180 pop-up clinics in affected areas.

Additional vaccination clinics are planned for the coming weeks and months, contingent on community interest and need.

Since the outbreak began, more than 3,600 measles cases have been reported nationwide in 2026, as per the CDC. Measles, considered one of the most contagious diseases, was eliminated in the US in 2000. However, the country's ability to maintain this status is uncertain amid the recent outbreaks. Measles vaccines are highly effective, preventing 97% of cases when administered correctly.

However, vaccination rates among kindergarten-aged children have been declining. This trend coincides with experts' concerns that the Trump administration is spreading confusion and misinformation about vaccines to parents.

Earlier this month, Pennsylvania requested emergency assistance from the CDC to address the measles outbreak. However, the state has threatened to withdraw the request unless the federal agency acknowledges the measles-associated deaths reported by Pennsylvania, a condition set by former US Health Secretary and anti-vaccine advocate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.