Pennsylvania has recorded its first measles-related deaths in 35 years, as the state's Department of Health confirmed two fatalities in unvaccinated individuals from Lancaster County. The state has reported a total of 393 measles cases across 28 counties in 2026.
State health officials emphasized that the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the most effective way to prevent infection. The MMR vaccine, when administered in two doses, offers approximately 97% lifetime protection, according to health officials.
Dr. Debra Bogen, Pennsylvania's Secretary of Health, expressed condolences to the families of those who died. She noted that because measles was largely absent from the Commonwealth for over three decades, many residents may not be aware of the disease's potential severity. "We want to ensure that every Pennsylvanian has the information they need to protect themselves, their loved ones and their communities," she stated.
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that can be fatal in a small percentage of cases and can lead to serious long-term health issues such as pneumonia and brain swelling. Nearly 20% of individuals who contract measles require hospitalization. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets and can remain viable in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person has left an area.
Initial symptoms of measles typically include fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a rash that begins on the head and spreads downward. Symptoms can appear seven to 21 days after exposure. Individuals who suspect they have been exposed to measles are advised to contact a healthcare provider.
Medical experts highlighted the safety and efficacy of the MMR vaccine. Dr. Jesse Goodman, former FDA chief scientist, described the vaccine as "extremely safe and highly effective," noting its role in preventing millions of measles deaths globally and hundreds that formerly occurred in the U.S. He stated there is no evidence linking the MMR vaccine to chronic illnesses such as autism.
Dr. Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, commented that Pennsylvania's extended period without measles deaths was a testament to the vaccine's effectiveness. He warned that a decline in the perceived value of vaccination could lead to predictable outcomes like the current surge.
Senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel underscored the contagious nature of measles, explaining that up to 90% of susceptible individuals exposed to an infected person can contract the virus. He stressed the importance of community protection, stating that a 95% vaccination coverage rate is necessary to achieve herd immunity. Herd immunity is the level of protection achieved when a sufficient portion of a population is immune, thereby protecting those who cannot be vaccinated, such as immunocompromised individuals or pregnant women.