Pa. Reports Nation’s First Measles Deaths in 2026

August 25, 2026

Two people have died in Pennsylvania due to the measles, state officials announced today.

The deaths are the nation’s first recorded measles-released deaths this year, and the first reported in Pennsylvania in the last 35 years.

This morning, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health's Women & Babies Hospital hosted a press conference with Governor Shapiro and Dr. Deb Bogen, Pennsylvania health secretary, highlighting the importance of vaccination across Pennsylvania.

“These tragic deaths remind us that measles is not a harmless illness,” said Jeffrey Martin, the chair of the Department of Family and Community Medicine at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Heath. “Our focus now must be on the families who have suffered unimaginable loss and on the steps we can take together to prevent additional illness and death in our community.”

Here’s what you need to know:

• Background:  The two people who died were from Lancaster County and were not vaccinated against the virus, officials said. Other details were not available due to protect patient confidentiality.
• By the numbers: Pennsylvania leads the nation in measles cases this year, with 393 confirmed cases, the highest total since 1992. Every single case across 28 counties involved someone who was not fully vaccinated.
  • About half of the cases reported this year are from Lancaster county.
  • Nationwide, 2,761 measles cases have been reported this year, approaching last year’s total of 2,289.
• Hospitalization:  About 20 percent of cases in Pennsylvania required hospitalization.
• Why it matters:  Measles is a preventable virus, but it is highly contagious. Getting vaccinated helps protect those who are too young or unable to get vaccinated due to other conditions. It is about 97 percent effective for people who receive two doses.
  • Exemption requests for immunization for philosophical or religious reasons have tripled over the past decade.
  • Officials encouraged people to talk with their health care providers to learn more about vaccines and to answer any questions they may have.
• Key note:  Call your health care provider ahead of seeking care for measles. This allows health care workers time to arrange safe evaluation, minimize exposure risk and protect vulnerable people in waiting areas.

HAP continues to monitor the latest public health developments and provide updates to members.

This morning’s press conference and additional information about today’s announcement are available online.