First measles deaths recorded of 2026… as cases reach highest level in more than three decades
Two people have died from the measles – marking the first deaths from the disease in the US this year.
Officials reported the two deaths occurred in unvaccinated patients in Pennsylvania. They are the state’s first measles deaths in 35 years.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed both individuals were residents of Lancaster County, about 60 miles outside of Philadelphia. No additional details about those who died were provided.
‘My deepest sympathies are with the loved ones who are facing this unimaginable loss,’ Dr Debra Bogen, the state’s secretary of health, said in a statement.
‘Because measles was largely eliminated in the Commonwealth for more than three decades, people are not familiar with this disease and don’t fully understand the potential severity of the illness.’
Pennsylvania has recorded 393 measles cases across 28 counties so far in 2026. And multiple states such as Maryland and Iowa are reporting record outbreaks.
Nationwide, cases have reached their highest in more than three decades.
As of August 20, the CDC has recorded 2,777 confirmed cases of the measles. This is the most cases recorded since 1991, which saw 9,643 cases.
Officials reported the two deaths occurred in unvaccinated patients in Pennsylvania (stock image)
Last year, there were 2,289 cases, according to the CDC.
The vast majority of cases in both 2025 and 2026 were in individuals who had not received both doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
The shot is typically given once between ages 12 and 15 months and again between ages four and six. Two doses slash the risk of measles infection by 97 percent, according to the CDC.
For unvaccinated people, nine in ten of those exposed to the virus will get infected.
‘We want to ensure every Pennsylvanian has the information they need to protect themselves, their loved ones and their communities,’ Bogen said.
‘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.’
