Pennsylvania confirms two measles deaths in unvaccinated Lancaster residents
Pennsylvania health officials said two unvaccinated people in Lancaster County died of measles, the state's first measles deaths in 35 years and the first U.S. measles deaths logged in 2026. The state has confirmed 393 cases in 28 counties this year as national counts near levels not seen since the early 1990s.
Pennsylvania confirmed two measles-related deaths on Tuesday, the first in the state in 35 years, the Department of Health said.
Both people lived in Lancaster County and were unvaccinated, officials said. The department did not release ages or other personal details, citing privacy. State Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen offered condolences and said many residents have little firsthand experience with measles after decades of control.
"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," Bogen said. She called the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine safe and the best protection available.
Pennsylvania has confirmed 393 measles cases in 28 counties so far in 2026, according to the state release summarized by Fox News and MedPage Today. That total trails only South Carolina and Utah among states with large outbreak counts this year.
Nationally, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention figures cited by MedPage show about 2,777 confirmed U.S. cases in 2026 across dozens of outbreaks, the highest tally since 1991. About 94 percent of cases this year have been in people who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown.
Measles often begins with fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. A rash typically follows a few days later, starting on the head and moving down the body. Nearly one in five people who get measles are hospitalized. Complications can include pneumonia and brain swelling. Symptoms may start seven to 21 days after exposure.
Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel said the vaccine prevents millions of measles deaths worldwide each year and that there is no evidence it causes autism or other chronic illness. Dr. Amesh Adalja of the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security said Pennsylvania's long stretch without measles deaths reflected vaccine protection, not luck.
Health officials urge residents unsure of their MMR status to check records with a clinician, especially before school reopenings and travel.
Go Deeper
Who died in Pennsylvania?
Two unvaccinated people in Lancaster County. Officials did not release ages or other identifying details.
How many cases does the state have?
About 393 confirmed measles cases in 28 counties in 2026, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
How does that compare nationally?
CDC data cited in coverage put U.S. cases near 2,777 this year, the highest since 1991, with most cases in unvaccinated people.
What are early symptoms?
Fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes, followed by a rash that starts on the head and spreads downward.
What should families do?
Confirm MMR vaccination status, especially for school-age children and caregivers of infants. Contact a clinician after known exposure.
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