First US measles deaths of 2026 reported in Pennsylvania

Two people have died from measles in Pennsylvania, marking the first reported US deaths from the highly contagious disease in 2026, state health officials said Tuesday.

Both people were unvaccinated residents of Lancaster County, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health adding that they are the state's first measles deaths in 35 years.

“My deepest sympathies are with the loved ones who are facing this unimaginable loss,” Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr Debra Bogen said in a statement.

“As a physician, I want to make sure that people understand that the MMR vaccine is safe and provides the best protection we have against measles.”

Officials said no further information about the two people would be released.

Pennsylvania has confirmed 393 measles cases across 28 counties so far in 2026 as the US experiences a historic resurgence of the virus.

More than 2,700 cases have been recorded nationwide this year, the highest annual total since 1991 and the second consecutive record-breaking year.

Measles was declared eliminated in the US in 2000. However, more infections have been recorded over the past 18 months than during the previous 25 years combined.

Two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine are about 97 percent effective at preventing measles.