Pennsylvania Reports Fifth Measles Death in 2026, Highest Since 1991
The state's measles death toll reaches five, with national cases surging and debate growing over federal reporting of fatalities.
Pennsylvania health authorities have reported a fifth measles-linked death in 2026, the highest number of fatalities in the state since an outbreak in 1991 resulted in at least 13 deaths. The Pennsylvania Department of Health announced Wednesday that an unvaccinated resident of Lancaster County, who tested positive for the highly infectious disease, has died.
The department stated it would not release further details about the deceased to protect patient privacy. This latest fatality contributes to 2026 marking the highest number of measles cases since 1991, with 3,659 infections reported nationwide to date, a 60 percent increase from the 2,289 cases recorded last year.
Pennsylvania has been the hardest-hit state, with the Department of Health reporting 943 confirmed cases across 39 counties. Measles cases have been reported in 45 states, with only Arkansas, Hawaii, Mississippi, New Hampshire, and Nevada yet to record an infection.
The announcement of the fifth death comes amidst a disagreement between state and federal health officials regarding the officially recognized measles death toll. While Pennsylvania has reported five deaths in recent weeks, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has only acknowledged two as attributable to the disease, and has yet to include two other deaths previously reported by Pennsylvania health officials. The CDC has not provided further details on these fatalities.
State health officials identified the four previously recorded fatalities in Pennsylvania as two infants in Lancaster County, an 18-year-old in Mifflin County, and a 40-year-old in Jefferson County. The discrepancy in reported deaths has reportedly slowed the CDC's reporting process, stemming from a dispute between Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over how measles-related deaths should be counted.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease transmitted through respiratory droplets. Initial symptoms resemble the flu, followed by a rash that typically begins on the face and spreads across the body. In severe cases, measles can lead to life-threatening complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis (brain swelling). Infants under five, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems are at the highest risk.
For unvaccinated individuals, approximately one in 1,000 infected may develop encephalitis, and one to three in 1,000 can die from the disease. The Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, administered from 12 to 15 months of age, is highly effective, reducing the risk of infection by 97 percent with two doses. Treatment typically involves supportive care to manage symptoms, as there is no antiviral medication for measles.
Nationally, approximately 95 percent of individuals infected with measles this year have been unvaccinated or their vaccination status is undisclosed. School-aged children (5-19 years old) account for the largest proportion of cases with 1,577 infections, followed by adults aged 20 and older with 1,407. There have been 327 hospitalizations, including 91 among children under five.
South Carolina ranks second in the nation for infections with 670 cases, followed by Utah with 535, Texas with 192, and Virginia with 178.
In Florida, a recent study raised concerns about the potential for a major measles outbreak. The state has recorded 148 infections this year, an 18-fold increase from the eight cases reported last year, making it seventh in national tallies. Current MMR vaccination coverage for Florida kindergarteners stands at 88.9 percent. Researchers modeled measles transmission using data from a 2025 outbreak in Texas and applied it to Florida's population and vaccination rates. Their findings suggest that if MMR vaccination coverage among children falls to 82 percent, a significant outbreak could occur within three to five years, with smaller outbreaks potentially continuing for decades. Even at the current coverage level of 88.9 percent, the model indicates that sustained outbreaks are possible, and Florida may already have vaccination coverage below the threshold needed to prevent prolonged virus spread.