Pennsylvania news
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The gist
Two unvaccinated people in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, died from measles. The outbreak has grown to 460 cases across 31 counties.
Background
Pennsylvania is experiencing a significant measles outbreak this year, with nearly 400 cases reported by late August and growing to 460 cases across 31 counties. The state has been promoting vaccinations, and about 35,000 people have been vaccinated, up from the usual pace of about 25,000 per month. The two deaths are the first measles fatalities in the state in over three decades, highlighting the seriousness of the outbreak.
How it unfolded
- Tue, 25 Aug 2026Pennsylvania health officials report two unvaccinated people in Lancaster County have died from measles, the first measles deaths in the US this year.
- Thu, 27 Aug 2026The Pennsylvania Department of Health confirms one of the two deaths was an infant, and both individuals tested positive for measles and were unvaccinated.
- Fri, 28 Aug 2026The outbreak grows to 460 cases across 31 counties, with 36 new cases reported since Wednesday.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- State health officials urge residents to ensure they are protected against the highly contagious disease, emphasizing vaccination.
- Public
- Residents have voiced frustrations over the pace of restoration in a related power outage, but no specific public statements on measles were provided.
Still unverified
No further details about the individuals who died were provided, and the exact circumstances of the deaths are not fully disclosed.