Pennsylvania confirmed two measles-associated deaths in Lancaster County.
Why it matters: The deaths are Pennsylvania’s first measles fatalities in 35 years and come as U.S. cases keep climbing. They highlight the public-health risk of falling vaccination rates and renewed pressure on vaccine uptake.
- Both people who died were unvaccinated Lancaster County residents, Pennsylvania health officials said on Aug. 25, 2026.
- State officials said the deaths are the first measles-related fatalities in Pennsylvania in 35 years.
- CDC data showed at least 2,231 confirmed U.S. measles cases by July 9, 2026; the agency says cases have been rising since early 2025.
- Pennsylvania had identified 84 measles cases in 2026 as of June 26, including 72 in the Lancaster-Lebanon region.
Pennsylvania’s Department of Health said two measles-associated deaths were confirmed in Lancaster County on Aug. 25, 2026. Officials said both people were unvaccinated and described the deaths as the first measles-related fatalities in the Commonwealth in 35 years.
The state’s announcement comes amid a broader national resurgence. The CDC says measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, but U.S. cases have been increasing since early 2025. By July 9, 2026, the CDC had recorded at least 2,231 confirmed cases nationwide in its measles data.
Pennsylvania has been dealing with an outbreak centered in Lancaster County and the Lancaster-Lebanon region. In a June 26 update, the state said it had identified 84 measles cases in 2026, with 72 in that region alone, according to state health officials.
Earlier in the month, Pennsylvania warned about two potential exposures in Lancaster County and said unvaccinated people were most at risk. The department’s guidance says two doses of MMR or MMRV provide the best protection against measles.
Health Secretary Debra Bogen said people may not fully understand the disease’s severity because measles had been largely eliminated in the Commonwealth for more than three decades.
By the numbers
- 2 - measles-associated deaths confirmed in Lancaster County, both among unvaccinated residents.
- 35 years - Pennsylvania officials said it had been that long since the Commonwealth’s last measles-related deaths.
- 2,231 - confirmed U.S. measles cases reported by the CDC as of July 9, 2026.
Yes, but: The state release does not provide ages, sex, or underlying conditions of the deceased, and it describes the deaths as measles-associated rather than detailing the clinical cause.
What's next: Pennsylvania health officials are continuing outbreak response in Lancaster County and monitoring additional exposures and cases.