Full Breakdown
Pennsylvania Reports First Measles-Associated Deaths in 35 Years
8/27/2026, 6:11:10 AM
Core Event
The Pennsylvania Department of Health announced that two unvaccinated Lancaster County residents have died with measles-related complications. The state described the fatalities as “measles-associated,” meaning laboratory or epidemiologic evidence of measles was present even though the immediate cause of death is still under investigation. One death involves a newborn who tested positive for measles and was found to have a ruptured spleen; the other case has not been referred to the county coroner, which is permissible under state law.
Background & Context
Lancaster County is the epicenter of a statewide outbreak now spanning 28 counties. Vaccination coverage among county children has fallen from 95.5 % in 2017 to 87.6 % this year, below the 95 % herd-immunity threshold. The outbreak follows a national surge that has produced 2,777 confirmed measles cases—the highest annual total since 1991.
Data & Statistics
- Statewide confirmed cases: 393 (PA Department of Health)
- Hospitalizations: 70 (PA Department of Health)
- National cases: 2,777 (CDC)
- Lancaster County kindergarten vaccination rate: 85.8 % (local health data)
Official Statements & Responses
Governor Josh Shapiro called the deaths “completely preventable” and urged residents to receive the MMR vaccine. State Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen said many people are unfamiliar with measles because it had been eliminated for decades, leading to underestimation of its severity. Clinical pharmacist Meghan Dixon noted that early-dose vaccination for infants 6–11 months is being considered in high-risk areas and that two MMR doses provide about 97 % protection.
Criticism & Opposition
Lancaster County Commissioner Josh Parsons questioned the state’s transparency, stating, “it is important to know whether these two people died OF measles or WITH measles.” He highlighted that the county coroner’s office has recorded zero measles deaths and called for more detailed information.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- The state uses “measles-associated” for deaths with laboratory evidence, while the county coroner reports no measles deaths and is only investigating the infant case.
- Pennsylvania law does not require every measles-related death to be referred to a coroner.
- Ages, underlying conditions, and exact complications of the decedents have not been disclosed.
Why It Matters
The fatalities shift the outbreak narrative from case counts to mortality as schools reopen. Low vaccination rates in Lancaster County, especially among Amish and other “plain” communities, raise the risk of spread to infants too young for the standard MMR schedule and to immunocompromised individuals. Officials stress that two documented MMR doses confer about 97 % protection, underscoring the urgency of catching up on missed vaccinations.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We hope and we pray that those deaths will be the last,” — Gov. Josh Shapiro
- “My deepest sympathies are with the loved ones who are facing this unimaginable loss,” — Dr. Debra Bogen
- “When we compare the rate of measles that we're seeing this year, it has vastly outpaced the rate last year and is set to break all records.” — Dr. Lutzkanin, PA Association of Family Physicians
- “Some of the pediatricians are recommend giving it sooner because of the rise in cases right now, just to make sure our little friends or pediatric patients are fully covered,” — Meghan Dixon
