Pennsylvania Reports First Measles Deaths
Two people in Pennsylvania have died from measles this year, health officials said Tuesday.
The deaths mark the first reported measles fatalities in the United States this year.
Both victims lived in Lancaster County and had not received the measles vaccine, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
Officials did not release further information about the victims because of privacy concerns.
Pennsylvania has recorded 393 measles cases across 28 counties this year.
Lancaster County has reported 185 of those cases.
The two deaths also mark Pennsylvania’s first measles fatalities in 35 years.
Measles Cases Continue to Rise
Pennsylvania Health Secretary Debra Bogen warned that many people no longer understand how serious measles can become.
Measles had remained largely eliminated in Pennsylvania for more than three decades.
That long period without widespread disease has left many people unfamiliar with its potential risks, Bogen said.
The United States has recorded 2,777 confirmed measles cases so far this year.
The increase has raised concerns about falling vaccination rates across the country.
In 2025, three people died during a measles outbreak that began in West Texas and later spread into New Mexico.
Other outbreaks have also affected states including South Carolina and Utah.
Vaccination Rates Remain a Concern
Health experts say high vaccination coverage can help prevent major measles outbreaks.
Vaccination rates of about 95% or higher can create strong community protection.
That protection also helps people who cannot receive vaccines.
Two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine provide about 97% protection against measles.
Children typically receive the first MMR dose between 12 and 15 months of age.
They usually receive the second dose between ages 4 and 6.
However, Pennsylvania’s vaccination coverage has declined.
State health data show that 93.2% of kindergarten-age children received the required two MMR doses during the 2025-2026 school year.
The figure stood at 93.7% during the previous school year.
Lancaster County Has Lower Vaccination Rate
Lancaster County has an even lower vaccination rate among kindergarten students.
Only 87.6% received the required two MMR doses during the 2025-2026 school year.
Health experts say communities with lower vaccination rates face a greater risk of outbreaks.
William Moss, an epidemiology professor at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, said federal and state officials should identify areas with low measles vaccination coverage.
The latest deaths have renewed calls for stronger vaccination efforts as measles cases continue to spread in the United States.
