gg2
Measles deaths in Pennsylvania
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Two unvaccinated Pennsylvania residents died from measles, the first U.S. deaths in 2026. The deaths highlight the severity of a preventable disease amid a record outbreak.
Background
Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, but vaccination rates have declined, leading to a resurgence. In 2025, the U.S. saw 2,289 cases, the highest in over 30 years, and 2026 is on track to surpass that. Pennsylvania has confirmed 393 cases across 28 counties, with Lancaster County as the epicenter.
How it unfolded
- 2025U.S. reports 2,289 measles cases, the highest in over 30 years, with 48 outbreaks.
- late July 2026U.S. measles cases surpass the total for all of 2025.
- Aug 25, 2026Pennsylvania health department confirms two measles deaths, the first in the state in 35 years and the first in the U.S. in 2026. Both were unvaccinated residents of Lancaster County.
- Aug 25, 2026CDC reports 2,777 measles cases nationwide in 2026, with 211 new cases confirmed that week.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen emphasized the MMR vaccine is safe and provides the best protection against measles.
- Expert
- Andrew Racine, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, called the deaths 'heartbreaking' from a vaccine-preventable disease.
Still unverified
The health department did not release additional details about the deceased, citing privacy concerns.