Two Americans dead from measles in Pennsylvania — first deaths in state in 35 years: health department
Two Pennsylvania residents have died due to measles, health officials said on Tuesday, the first such deaths in the state in 35 years, with 393 cases of the disease reported across 28 counties so far in 2026.
Both people were unvaccinated residents of Lancaster County, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, which did not release additional details, citing privacy concerns.
“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,” said Secretary of Health Debra Bogen.
Measles has surged in the United States this year, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting 2,777 confirmed cases nationwide as of August 20.
The overall 2026 figures represent the highest number of U.S. cases in a single year since a major resurgence of the highly contagious disease in the period between 1989 and 1991, with more than 55,000 infections and 123 deaths.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.
