Two unvaccinated Pennsylvania residents have died from measles, marking the first such fatalities in the state in 35 years, officials announced Tuesday. The health department has reported 393 cases of the disease across 28 counties in 2026.
Both individuals who died were unvaccinated residents of Lancaster County, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The department cited privacy concerns for not releasing further details.
"Because measles was largely eliminated in the Commonwealth for more than three decades, people are not familiar with this disease and don’t fully understand the potential severity of the illness," stated Secretary of Health Debra Bogen.
Nationwide, measles cases have surged in 2026. As of August 20, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 2,777 confirmed cases across the United States. This year's figures represent the highest number of U.S. cases since the resurgence between 1989 and 1991, which saw over 55,000 infections and 123 deaths. Museum of Health & Medicine, Philadelphia