{
  "id": 3538820,
  "title": "First measles deaths reported in US this year—American Academy of Pediatrics responds",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/26/first-measles-deaths-reported-in-us-this-year-american-academy-of",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-08-26T16:05:25.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Medical Xpress",
    "slug": "medical-xpress",
    "url": "https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-08-measles-deaths-year-american-academy.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Two unvaccinated residents in Pennsylvania have become the first measles-related deaths in the United States this year, according to the Department of Health. Both individuals resided in Lancaster County, and officials have not disclosed additional information to protect the families' privacy. This marks the first time in 35 years that measles has resulted in fatalities in the United States. Pennsylvania has reported 393 cases across 28 counties so far in 2026, indicating a significant resurgence of the virus. Dr. Debra Bogen, Pennsylvania's health secretary, emphasized the seriousness of the disease and the effectiveness of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which offers 97% lifetime protection when administered as two doses. The virus spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes, and can linger in a room or on surfaces for up to two hours. Early symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a rash that typically appears a few days later. Although measles is often mistaken for other respiratory infections, health officials urge individuals displaying these symptoms or who suspect exposure to seek immediate medical attention. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) responded to the deaths by urging parents to ensure their children are up to date on the MMR vaccine. The AAP President, Dr. Andrew Racine, expressed deep sorrow over the reported deaths, highlighting that measles remains a serious and potentially deadly disease. He stressed that the vaccine is highly effective in preventing transmission and protecting vulnerable populations, including infants too young for their first dose. The AAP recommends routine measles vaccination starting at age 1, with early vaccination (as young as 6 months) for children living in or traveling to communities with active outbreaks. Despite measles having been eliminated in the United States for decades, the deaths serve as a stark reminder of the importance of vaccination and the potential severity of the disease. The nation's measles elimination status is set for review in November by the Pan American Health Organization.",
  "summary": "Two unvaccinated Pennsylvania residents have died of measles, the first deaths linked to the virus in the state in 35 years, the Department of Health (DOH) said Tuesday.",
  "key_points": [
    "First measles deaths reported in US this year in Pennsylvania.",
    "Two unvaccinated residents in Lancaster County succumb to measles.",
    "AAP urges parents to ensure children are up to date on MMR vaccine."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}