Two Unvaccinated People Die from Measles in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania public health officials have reported two measles-associated deaths in Lancaster County, marking the first fatalities from the highly contagious disease in the commonwealth in 35 years. Both individuals who died were unvaccinated, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, which announced the deaths on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.

These deaths occur amid a significant measles outbreak in Pennsylvania, with 393 confirmed cases across 29 counties so far this year. Lancaster County has been a particular hotspot, accounting for 177 of those infections since April. The state's Health Secretary, Dr. Debra Bogen, extended sympathies to the families affected and emphasized the importance of the safe and effective MMR vaccine for protection against the virus.

Nationally, measles cases have surged in 2026, with 2,777 cases reported across 45 states and Washington, D.C., surpassing last year's total and marking the highest number since 1991. Approximately 94% of individuals who have contracted measles this year were unvaccinated or had an unknown vaccination status. Health experts advise that vaccination is the best defense against measles, with two doses of the MMR vaccine providing 97% lifetime protection.