U.S. measles deaths reach ten as Pennsylvania and Wisconsin report new fatalities

The United States logged its tenth measles-associated death this year after Pennsylvania and Wisconsin each confirmed a new fatality on Friday. Wisconsin health officials said the deceased was a child but did not release further details to protect the family’s privacy. Pennsylvania officials identified the victim as an unvaccinated resident of Montour County who had tested positive for measles.

The outbreak, which has produced about 5,400 cases nationwide — more than double the previous year’s total and the highest count since 1991 — is being linked to a sharp decline in vaccination coverage and a global resurgence of the virus. The disease, the most contagious known to humans, can cause severe complications such as pneumonia or encephalitis, particularly in unvaccinated individuals.

State health departments are intensifying vaccination efforts. Pennsylvania and Wisconsin are now recommending that infants aged six to eleven months in high-risk areas receive an early measles dose, ahead of the routine first dose typically administered at one year of age.

Public health data show that 75% of U.S. counties and jurisdictions with measles vaccine information fall below the 95% coverage level needed to prevent outbreaks. The proportion of kindergartners vaccinated for measles dropped from 95% in the 2019-20 school year to 92% in the 2025-26 school year.

The Pan American Health Organization is reviewing whether the United States can retain its measles-elimination status, a designation that requires no continuous transmission for a full year. A decision is expected on Tuesday.