Two Unvaccinated Pennsylvanians Die as State Records First Measles-Related Fatalities in 35 Years

Two residents of Lancaster County who had not been vaccinated against measles died, marking Pennsylvania's first measles-related fatalities in 35 years, the state Department of Health said. Governor Josh Shapiro, speaking at Lancaster General Health, noted that the Commonwealth has recorded 393 confirmed measles cases this year, the highest annual total since 1992, and that every case involved an unvaccinated individual. > "I want to be clear this illness and death from measles is completely preventable. We already have the tools to protect ourselves and our families," Shapiro said, urging parents to consult health professionals about vaccination. He highlighted that while the target community-immunity level is 95%, only 87% of kindergarten entrants in Lancaster County are fully vaccinated, compared with 95% in Montgomery County. Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen expressed condolences to the families and emphasized the need for public awareness about the disease and the safety of the MMR vaccine, which provides about 97% lifetime protection after two doses. The Department of Health confirmed that both deceased individuals were unvaccinated and declined to release further personal details.