Pennsylvania records its first measles deaths in 35 years

Pennsylvania health officials confirmed two measles-associated deaths in Lancaster County on August 25, marking the state’s first measles fatalities in 35 years. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, both individuals were unvaccinated amid a widespread measles outbreak that has resulted in 393 cases across 29 counties in 2026.

Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen issued the official announcement, describing the fatalities as measles-associated without releasing further clinical details or identifying information to protect privacy. A subsequent national report indicated one of the deceased was an infant, though this was not included in the initial state statement. The department emphasized that these are the first measles-related deaths in Pennsylvania in 35 years.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed the deaths on August 25, 2026, identifying both individuals as unvaccinated residents of Lancaster County.

The announcement occurred amid a widespread measles outbreak in Pennsylvania that has affected 393 people across 29 counties in 2026, according to state records as of August 25. The Department of Health’s measles information page now lists the deaths as a major update in the ongoing outbreak response. Earlier in the year, the state reported 84 confirmed cases by late June, with the outbreak initially identified in Lebanon County in late April. By that time, 72 cases were linked to the Lancaster-Lebanon region alone.

The outbreak has since expanded beyond central Pennsylvania, with cases reported in Berks, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Northumberland, and York counties. Lancaster County has remained the most heavily affected area, including as the location of the two deaths, according to state officials. Early investigations suggested the spread was community-associated rather than connected to domestic or international travel.

State health officials stressed the role of non-immunization in the severity of the outbreak. Both deceased individuals were unvaccinated, underscoring the Department of Health’s ongoing efforts to promote the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The department noted that while measles deaths are rare, the disease can be fatal, citing a fatality rate of one to three deaths per 1,000 cases. The state’s public health messaging has highlighted the risk posed by declining vaccination rates, which have contributed to a resurgence of measles cases nationwide.

Following the confirmation of the deaths, Governor Josh Shapiro announced expanded response efforts to contain the outbreak and protect residents. The administration outlined a statewide strategy to address the spread, urging anyone exposed or showing symptoms to contact a health care provider or call the state hotline at 877-PA-HEALTH (877-724-3258). The Department of Health said it is working to provide timely information and resources to Pennsylvanians throughout the outbreak.

Nationally, the Pennsylvania fatalities are notable as the first measles deaths reported in the United States in 2026. Reuters reported that the deaths coincide with the highest U.S. measles case count in more than three decades. The Pennsylvania governor’s office confirmed these are the state’s first measles deaths since 1991. Media coverage has framed the fatalities as part of a larger outbreak rather than isolated incidents, reflecting a broader resurgence of measles linked to decreased vaccination coverage.

The outbreak’s origins trace back to late April 2026 in Lebanon County, with subsequent spread to neighboring counties. By late June, six counties had reported confirmed cases, including Berks, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Northumberland, and York. State officials continue to monitor the situation closely and update public health guidance as the outbreak evolves.