Pennsylvania measles outbreak sparks defiance and vaccinations
The gist
Pennsylvania's measles outbreak has sickened 767 people and killed four, its worst in decades.
Vaccinations are rising even as some resist, and officials warn the spread may worsen.
How it unfolded
- Aug 2026Pennsylvania announced two measles-associated deaths; both were later revealed to be infants too young to have been vaccinated. About 3,500 MMR doses were administered that month, up from fewer than 1,000 per month from January through July.
- Sep 14, 2026State officials reported Pennsylvania's third death involving measles.
- Sep 15, 2026Officials announced two more measles deaths, bringing the total to four. The Lancaster County deaths were the state's first fatal measles cases in 35 years and the first in the country this year; the latest was an unvaccinated person in Mifflin County.