Two unvaccinated people die from measles in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania health officials confirmed Tuesday that two unvaccinated individuals have died from measles. This marks the first time in 35 years that measles-related deaths have been reported in the state.

These fatalities are the first measles deaths reported in the U.S. in 2026. Last year, the U.S. saw three measles deaths: two in unvaccinated school-age children in Texas and one in an unvaccinated adult in New Mexico. Prior to those deaths, the U.S. had not seen a measles death since 2015.

Citing privacy concerns, state health officials have not provided further information on the deceased beyond confirming they were unvaccinated and residents of Lancaster County. A total of 393 confirmed measles cases have been reported across 28 counties in Pennsylvania this year.

Health officials continue to monitor the situation and emphasize the importance of vaccination for disease prevention.