Two Pennsylvania residents die from measles in 2026

Two unvaccinated people in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, died from measles on August 25, 2026. They were the first measles deaths in the United States that year and the first in Pennsylvania for 35 years. State health officials have not released any personal details about the two people, to protect their families.

Pennsylvania has had 393 confirmed measles cases in 2026, the third-highest number in the country. Lancaster County alone has recorded 185 of those cases. The outbreak is the worst the United States has seen since 1991, and vaccination rates have fallen in some areas.

In response, Pennsylvania has given measles vaccinations to around 35,000 people per month, up from the usual 25,000.