NewsWSVN 7 MiamiAugust 26, 2026Miami-Dade
Pennsylvania reports first two U.S. measles deaths of the year
Two unvaccinated Lancaster County residents have died from measles, marking the first U.S. deaths from the virus this year. Pennsylvania health officials confirmed the fatalities as the state continues to promote vaccination efforts amid a national surge in cases.
Read the full story at WSVN 7 MiamiWhy It Matters
The deaths highlight the return of a disease largely eliminated in the U.S. for decades, impacting public health policy and vaccination rates in Pennsylvania and nationwide.
Key Facts
- Two unvaccinated Pennsylvania residents in Lancaster County died from measles.
- These are the first measles-related deaths in the U.S. this year.
- The U.S. has recorded 2,777 measles cases this year as of Thursday.
- Pennsylvania has recorded nearly 400 measles cases this year.
- Measles vaccination rates in the U.S. have fallen below the 95% threshold required to prevent outbreaks.
- Lancaster County kindergarten measles vaccination rates were 88% during the last school year.
- Pennsylvania has vaccinated 35,000 people recently, an increase from the typical 25,000 per month.
- The U.S. has seen five measles-associated deaths in the last two years.
- International health officials will meet in November to review the measles-free status of the U.S. and Mexico.
- The U.S. eliminated local measles spread in 2000.
Who's Mentioned
locationLancaster County“Location of the deceased individuals”personDebra Bogen“Pennsylvania Health Secretary”personRobert F. Kennedy Jr.“U.S. Health Secretary”personJosh Shapiro“Governor of Pennsylvania”organizationCenters for Disease Control and Prevention“Federal health agency”personDonald Trump“President of the United States”