Pennsylvania reports first measles deaths in 35 years

Pennsylvania has reported the first measles deaths in the United States this year, and the first in the state in 35 years.

Both deceased individuals – who are not being identified by the state – were unvaccinated residents of Lancaster County, according to health officials.

There has been a historic resurgence of measles in the U.S. this year, which can lead to fever, brain swelling, pneumonia, and death.

“And all of this suffering and hospitalization and death is entirely preventable. Why is it that the most vulnerable among us, our children, are forced to suffer our ignorance,” Dr. Paul Offit, an infectious disease expert at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, told The Independent in an email.

Two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine can prevent measles. The majority of infections are in people who are unvaccinated.

Pennsylvania has had 393 confirmed measles cases this year and 86 reported infections in the past week.

“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,” Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen said.

The U.S. has confirmed 2,777 measles cases in 47 states and D.C. in 2026, the majority in children and teenagers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

There have been 36 new outbreaks of the highly-contagious illness across the country, accounting for the majority of cases.

Maryland, which borders Pennsylvania, declared measles outbreaks in three counties Monday, following an investigation of 14 new cases in unvaccinated residents. Maryland has 31 cases, including 27 reported since July 15, state health leaders said.

“No public exposures have been identified in these cases. There is currently no evidence of widespread community transmission, as most cases occurred among household contacts,” the Maryland health department said.

Health officials say that the risk for measles infection remains low if people have been fully vaccinated. Two doses of the shot provides 97 percent lifetime protection against infection, the CDC says.

Without it, there is a 90 percent chance someone will become infected after breathing in infected particles or touching contaminated surfaces. Infections can spread for up to two hours after a person who is infected leaves the area.