Full Breakdown
Pennsylvania Records First Measles Deaths in 35 Years Amid Statewide Outbreak
8/26/2026, 12:18:52 AM
Core Event
On August 25, 2026 the Pennsylvania Department of Health announced that two unvaccinated Lancaster County residents died from measles complications. These are the first measles fatalities in the Commonwealth since 1991 and the first reported in the United States this year. Officials declined to release identifying details, citing privacy concerns.
Background & Context
Measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000 after decades of high vaccination coverage. Since 2025 the nation has seen a resurgence, with 2026 case counts surpassing the previous year’s total and reaching the highest level since 1991. Pennsylvania’s outbreak began in late April and has spread to most of the state, concentrating in Lancaster County, which has a large Amish community that historically has lower vaccination rates.
Data & Statistics
- Confirmed measles cases in Pennsylvania: 393 across 28–29 counties (sources differ).
- Hospitalizations: roughly 20 % of Pennsylvania patients have required inpatient care.
- Nationally, the CDC reports 2,777 measles cases this year, the largest annual total since 1991.
- The MMR vaccine provides 97 % lifetime protection after two doses; a single dose is about 93 % effective.
- Deaths from measles occur at a rate of 1 to 3 per 1,000 infections.
Official Statements & Responses
Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen expressed “deepest sympathies” for the families and warned that many Pennsylvanians are unfamiliar with measles severity. She reiterated that the MMR vaccine is safe, the best protection available, and that achieving 95 % community vaccination is essential for herd immunity.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health advises anyone who suspects exposure or exhibits fever, cough, conjunctivitis followed by a rash to contact a health-care provider and call the state hotline 877-PA-HEALTH.
Verbatim Quotes
- “My deepest sympathies are with the loved ones who are facing this unimaginable loss,” — Dr. Debra Bogen, health secretary
- “I want to be clear, this illness and death from measles is completely preventable,” — Gov. Josh Shapiro
- “safe and provides the best protection we have against measles.” — Dr. Debra Bogen
These statements underscore the preventability of the disease, the safety of the vaccine, and the governor’s stance on misinformation.
