Two unvaccinated Pennsylvanians die from measles, marking first US deaths this year
Two unvaccinated residents of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania have died from measles, the first measles-related deaths reported in the United States this year.
State Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen expressed sympathy for the families and noted that measles had been largely eliminated in the Commonwealth for more than three decades, leaving many unaware of how severe the disease can be.
The United States is experiencing its worst measles season since 1991, with 2,777 cases recorded as of late August 2026, surpassing the previous record of 2,289 cases in 2025.
Officials highlighted a decline in vaccination rates and said international health officials will convene in November to decide whether the United States and Mexico have lost their measles‑free status.
This writeup was produced by pharmadog from original reporting by STAT.
Original headline: “Pennsylvania reports first 2 measles deaths in the U.S. this year, both people unvaccinated”
read at STAT ↗
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