Pennsylvania reports first measles deaths in decades as cases surge nationwide

Two unvaccinated Pennsylvania residents from Lancaster County have died after contracting measles, the first such fatalities in the state in decades and the first U.S. deaths linked to the virus this year. State Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen expressed sympathy for the families and warned that the public may underestimate the disease’s severity after its long absence.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 2,777 measles cases nationwide as of Thursday, surpassing the total for 2025 and making the current year the worst for measles since 1991. The United States has recorded five measles-related deaths in the past two years, exceeding the combined total of the previous three decades.

Governor Josh Shapiro said he declined an offer of assistance from federal health officials, criticizing the current administration’s messaging on vaccines. He noted that “there’s real-life consequences to scaring people and not relying on actual doctors and actual medical professionals to provide unbiased information to parents.”

Federal health officials issued a statement extending condolences and emphasizing that the MMR vaccine provides the most effective protection against measles. Public health experts highlighted that declining vaccination rates—below the 95% threshold needed to prevent outbreaks—have contributed to the surge, and they called for clear, consistent messaging to improve coverage.

Lancaster County, home to a large Amish population, reported about 88% of kindergarteners up to date on measles vaccination last school year. State officials said nearly 400 measles cases have been confirmed in Pennsylvania this year and that vaccination efforts have increased, with roughly 35,000 people vaccinated to date, up from the typical monthly pace of 25,000.