Two unvaccinated Pennsylvania residents die of measles, first US deaths in 2026
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Two unvaccinated residents of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, died from measles, the first measles deaths in the United States in 2026. Pennsylvania has recorded 393 measles cases this year, among 2,777 cases nationwide. The deaths come as US measles cases reach their highest level since the 1989–1991 outbreak.
Key Facts
- Two unvaccinated residents of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, died from measles, the first measles deaths in the US in 2026 and the first in the state in 35 years.
- Pennsylvania has recorded 393 measles cases this year, making it one of the most affected states.
- The US has confirmed 2,777 measles cases in 2026, the highest number since the 1989–1991 outbreak that saw 55,000 cases and 123 deaths.
- In early August, President Donald Trump signed an executive order reducing mandatory childhood vaccinations from 18 to 11 and recommending the MMR vaccine be split into three separate shots.
- Public health experts say vaccination coverage of 95% or higher can prevent outbreaks through herd immunity.
The Deaths
Two unvaccinated residents of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, died from measles, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health. These are the first measles deaths in the United States in 2026 and the first in Pennsylvania in 35 years. Pennsylvania Health Secretary Debra Bogen said that because measles was largely eradicated in the state more than three decades ago, people are unfamiliar with the disease and do not fully understand its potential severity.
National Outbreak
The US has confirmed 2,777 measles cases in 2026, the highest number since the 1989–1991 outbreak. The 1989–1991 outbreak resulted in 55,000 cases and 123 deaths. Pennsylvania has recorded 393 cases this year, making it one of the most affected states. The rise in infections is linked to declining vaccination coverage and the policies of Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr.
Vaccination Policy
In early August, President Donald Trump signed an executive order reducing mandatory childhood vaccinations from 18 to 11. The order also recommends splitting the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine into three separate shots. Public health experts oppose the vaccination reform. Medical professionals state that vaccination coverage of 95% or higher can prevent outbreaks by creating herd immunity that protects those unable to be vaccinated.
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Two unvaccinated Pennsylvania residents die of measles, first US deaths in 2026
