Pennsylvania measles outbreak reaches 731 cases as four deaths confirmed

The Pennsylvania Department of Health said Wednesday that the state now has 731 confirmed measles cases, an increase of 38 since Monday. Hospitalizations total 141 patients. Lancaster County remains the hardest-hit area, prompting intensified vaccination drives and public-health outreach.

"Four measles-related deaths were reported among unvaccinated residents," the department noted.

The deaths follow earlier reports of two fatalities last month, a count that has been disputed by state officials and the U.S. health secretary, who said only one death was directly linked to the virus. The CDC, which has recorded 3,294 measles cases nationwide through September 10, has not yet added the 2026 deaths to its tally and is reviewing its classification criteria.

Health officials emphasized that measles is preventable with the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is about 97% effective after two doses.