2 Measles Deaths Confirmed In PA, Marking First Fatalities In 35 Years From The Virus

Two unvaccinated people in Pennsylvania have died after contracting measles, the state Department of Health announced Tuesday.

These are the first deaths from measles nationwide in 2026 and the first measles fatalities in Pennsylvania in 35 years.

“My deepest sympathies are with the loved ones who are facing this unimaginable loss,” Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen said in a statement.

“Because measles was largely eliminated in the commonwealth for more than three decades, people are not familiar with this disease and don’t fully understand the potential severity of the illness.

"We want to ensure every Pennsylvanian has the information they need to protect themselves, their loved ones and their communities. As a physician, I want to make sure that people understand that the MMR vaccine is safe and provides the best protection we have against measles.”

The two people who died were Lancaster County residents. Because of privacy concerns regarding the individuals and their families, the health department is not releasing any other details that could identify them.

The health department has confirmed 393 cases in 29 counties thus far in 2026, resulting in 70 hospitalizations. There have been 86 new cases recorded in the past week.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of Aug. 21 there have been 2,777 confirmed measles cases reported in the United States this year.

The health department advised that getting fully vaccinated is the best protection against measles. The MMR vaccine, administered over two doses, boosts a person’s immune system and provides 97% lifetime protection.

A highly contagious virus, measles can cause serious short- and long-term health problems, including pneumonia and brain swelling. Nearly 20 percent of people who contract the virus require hospitalization.

According to the health department, although deaths related to measles are rare, they occurs in one to three patients per 1,000 cases.

Measles spreads when a person who is infected breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus remains infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after the person with infection leaves the area.

Early symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis). The measles rash follows a few days later, starting on the head and spreading downward. Because early symptoms look similar to other respiratory viral infections, health department officials said it is imperative to contact a health care provider early if someone has these symptoms or may have been exposed to measles.

Symptoms can start 7 to 21 days after exposure.