PHILADELPHIA — Two unvaccinated residents of Lancaster County have died after contracting measles, state health officials announced Tuesday, marking the first measles-related deaths in the United States this year.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health released few details about the victims beyond their county of residence. The announcement comes as state and federal health agencies report elevated measles activity nationwide and as local leaders warn that lower vaccination coverage has left communities vulnerable.
State and national case counts
State officials said Pennsylvania has confirmed 393 measles cases in 28 counties so far this year. Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 2,777 cases as of Thursday, a level that makes this the nation’s worst year for measles since 1991.
| Jurisdiction | Confirmed measles cases (2026) |
|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 393 |
| United States (CDC) | 2,777 |
| Measles-associated deaths in last 2 years (U.S.) | 5 |
Health officials did not specify ages, underlying medical conditions or other identifying details for the two Lancaster County residents who died. Lancaster County is home to a large Amish population, and local outbreaks in recent months have been concentrated in communities with lower vaccination rates.
Officials urge vaccination, remind public of disease severity
“My deepest sympathies are with the loved ones who are facing this unimaginable loss,” said state Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen in a statement accompanying the announcement. She cautioned that because measles was largely eliminated in the commonwealth for more than three decades, many people are unfamiliar with how severe the disease can be.
“My deepest sympathies are with the loved ones who are facing this unimaginable loss.”
Public health experts emphasize that measles is highly contagious and can lead to serious complications, particularly in infants, older adults and people with weakened immune systems. Vaccination with the combined measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the primary tool to prevent both individual cases and community outbreaks.
- Who should get vaccinated: Children per the routine schedule, unvaccinated adults, and those with uncertain immunization status should consult a clinician.
- Protection: Two doses of MMR are highly effective at preventing measles.
- Local impact: Communities with vaccination coverage below the 95% threshold are at greater risk of sustained outbreaks.
Political context and federal response
The outbreak and these fatalities come amid national controversy over vaccination policy. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said he had raised concerns directly with federal officials about messages he said are contributing to vaccine hesitancy.
“I was very, very blunt with him, and I made very clear that his actions and the rhetoric that’s coming from this administration are having a negative impact on communities across America, particularly right here in Pennsylvania,” Shapiro said, attributing rising hesitancy to recent federal commentary and policy moves. He warned that discouraging trust in medical professionals can lead to “real-life consequences” for children and communities.
Federal policy shifts this year have included calls to reexamine childhood vaccine schedules and proposals to space apart combination immunizations. Those proposals have drawn pushback from pediatricians and public health authorities, who say the combined MMR shot is safe and effective and that changing the schedule could reduce overall vaccine uptake.
Local implications and next steps
Health departments in affected counties are working to identify close contacts, offer post-exposure prophylaxis when appropriate, and boost vaccination outreach in communities with low coverage. Officials typically encourage anyone who may have been exposed or who has symptoms — high fever, rash, cough, runny nose, red eyes — to contact a health provider before visiting a clinic or emergency room to avoid exposing others.
State and local public health partners say they will continue monitoring cases and coordinating responses with the CDC. With measles cases at their highest national levels in decades and several fatalities recorded over the past two years, health leaders urge vaccination and timely reporting to curb further spread.
As the investigation continues, state officials asked residents with questions about vaccination or possible exposure to contact their local health department for guidance.
Gregory Halloran is the state correspondent for WE NEWS.
