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Pennsylvania measles outbreak
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The gist
Two unvaccinated people died in Pennsylvania's measles outbreak, the state's first measles deaths in 35 years.
The deaths highlight the danger of sinking vaccination rates as cases surge nationwide.
Background
Pennsylvania is experiencing a growing measles outbreak, with nearly 400 cases confirmed this year, nearly half in Lancaster County. The disease was largely eliminated in the U.S. but has resurged due to declining vaccination rates. The two deaths are the first in the state in 35 years and the first in the U.S. this year.
How it unfolded
- Aug 12, 2026An unvaccinated patient is seen at UPMC Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh, marking the first case in Allegheny County since 2019.
- Aug 21, 2026CDC reports 379 cases in Pennsylvania, with 181 in Lancaster County.
- Aug 22, 2026Pennsylvania reports 89 new cases in a week, making it the nation's third-largest outbreak.
- Aug 24, 2026Maryland declares a measles outbreak in three counties.
- Aug 25, 2026Pennsylvania health officials confirm two measles-related deaths, both unvaccinated, in Lancaster County.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Pennsylvania's health secretary, Dr. Debra Bogen, expressed sympathy and noted that people are unfamiliar with measles' severity due to its long absence.
- Public Health Experts
- Experts attribute the outbreak to sinking vaccination rates and warn of more cases and deaths.
Still unverified
The ages and identities of the deceased were not released to protect privacy.